Ato calls shots anew for SMB vs RoS

By Arman Carandang

06/18/2010

San Miguel Beer sets out today with hopes of making a turnaround in its bid for an outright semifinals berth in the PBA Fiesta Conference with interim coach Ato Agustin calling the shots anew.

The likelihood of Agustin becoming head coach of the Beermen became more apparent yesterday as he personally supervised the team’s afternoon practice anew at the Acropolis Gym in Quezon City.

In what many are claiming as a prelude to SMB naming him head coach soon, the former Most Valuable Player who gained the monicker “Atom Bomb” during his prime said he encountered no problem from the players during the practice.

“(There was) no problem sa response naman, as all coaches have the same program from first year onwards,” Agustin told Tribune.

Without mincing words, Agustin said he focused more on the team’s defense in preparation for upcoming games, including against Rain or Shine at 7:30 p.m. today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Both the defense and offense were given emphasis, but more on defense,” he said.

Another good news for Agustin is the return of import Gabe Freeman from inaction afte a bout with flu. Freeman was rumored as positive in a recent dope test, which SMB management said was false.

The team’s former consultant who was designated assistant coach started handling the Beermen last Wednesday in a game against Coca-Cola. The Beermen’s skid went unabated though, losing for the second time this conference to Coca-Cola, 86-89, and their third straight since last week, necessitating a sweep no less of their last two games against the Elasto Painters (today) and Alaska Milk on June 26 to be able to clinch the second automatic semifinal slot in the season-ending tournament.

Otherwise, the Beermen, who have nevertheless maintained their spot behind league-leading Talk ‘N Text despite their string of setbacks at 11-5, would fall instead to an outright quarterfinal phase, not unless B-Meg Derby also meets disasters in its last three games.

Head coach Sito Tanquincen was also present during the SMB practice.

“It’s coach Ato handling practice and us helping him out,” said Tanquincen.

With Agustin’s going full time at SMB, the question now cropping up is whether he will retain his post as head coach of San Sebastian College in the NCAA.

However, when asked to comment on his situation with the Stags, he said “hindi na ako coach.”

An NCAA statement also released yesterday, however, claimed Agustin will still call the shots for the Stags.

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