Big reorganization of the list in San Miguel? Austria hints at possible team rebuilding after sad exit from the quarters

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY – With its PBA Philippine Cup dynasty reduced to rubble, San Miguel seeks a new beginning as he tries to rebuild his aging roster.

The formerly invincible Beermen bled out against the younger and more energetic Meralco Bolts when they lost twice in the quarterfinals capped by a 90-68 thrashing Sunday night at the Angeles University Foundation Arena.

It was the end of an era for St. Michael, as his five-year reign at the most prominent conference came to an end.

Coach Leo Austria showed that radical changes are expected to take place in the Beermen field next season.

“We will probably talk to management about the makeup of our roster next year, as there is a lot of clamor from the fans, from the basketball experts that we are not getting any younger,” said the eight-time champion coach.

In fact, Austria is right, as the central players of the historic fifth St. Michael’s mob in the league’s crown jewel average 35 years.

Arwind Santos is 39 years old followed by Alex Cabagnot (37), Chris Ross (35), Marcio Lassiter (33) while six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, who missed bubble season due to rehabilitation of her injured knee, turns 31. today (Tuesday). Mo Tautuaa, who was tasked with filling the gap left by Fajardo, is 31 years old.

“I think we are the oldest team in the league. Our starters are an average of 34 years old, while our opponents are 27, 28, in their prime, ”said the 62-year-old mentor.

Austria also emphasized that the physical demands of the bubble’s short season exposed the vulnerability of the Beermen’s aging roster, with some of the veterans injured during the course of the tournament.

Both Cabagnot and Ross were healing hamstring injuries, Lassiter suffered from a calf strain and Tautuaa suffered from knee tendonitis.

“If it’s a regular season, we could adjust, but (the games were played) every other day and sometimes in a row. It’s really difficult for these ‘young’ players, namin. ”

Whether next season happens again under a bubble setup or not, the three-time Coach of the Year hopes that management will favor desire and insert some young knees into the squad next season.

“I hope magkaroon nun (lineup changes) kasi we can’t survive because all teams are getting better and better while their young players get some experience. They can (eventually) catch up with the talent we have. And when it comes to energy, they have the upper hand, especially if we don’t have June-March. ”