Austria focusing on defense
The San Miguel Beermen resumed their practice session yesterday to prepare for their championship showdown against TNT KaTropa in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and for most part of the three-hour scrimmage, coach Leo Austria was giving instructions on how to execute their defense.
“Offense is not a problem for us,” said Austria.
It was only a light practice session by SMB, almost a walkthrough as Austria made point after point on defensive assignments and rotations, primarily on TNT shooters who thrive on the dribble-drive offense being implemented by KaTropa coach Nash Racela.
Also, with a 6-foot-10, 330-lb. import in Joshua Smith, the KaTropa playmakers Jayson Castro and RR Garcia have been successful in executing pick and roll plays, especially in the semifinal round against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – a team they beat 3-1 in the best-of-five series.
“We have to focus on defense because they also score a lot so we’ve got to limit the scoring – dribble-drive, pick and roll, post play of their import Smith,” said Austria at The Upper Deck Sports Center in Pasig City.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven finals series between SMB and TNT will begin Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT won their only elimination round meeting, 102-93, last month when the KaTropa then had Donte Greene as import.
Source: http://sports.mb.com.ph/2017/06/19/pba-austria-focusing-on-defense/
“Offense is not a problem for us,” said Austria.
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| San Miguel head coach Leo Austria (MB photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio) |
Also, with a 6-foot-10, 330-lb. import in Joshua Smith, the KaTropa playmakers Jayson Castro and RR Garcia have been successful in executing pick and roll plays, especially in the semifinal round against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – a team they beat 3-1 in the best-of-five series.
“We have to focus on defense because they also score a lot so we’ve got to limit the scoring – dribble-drive, pick and roll, post play of their import Smith,” said Austria at The Upper Deck Sports Center in Pasig City.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven finals series between SMB and TNT will begin Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT won their only elimination round meeting, 102-93, last month when the KaTropa then had Donte Greene as import.
Source: http://sports.mb.com.ph/2017/06/19/pba-austria-focusing-on-defense/
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