EVEN with the coaching change, June Mar Fajardo said he remains in contact with San Miguel’s former head coach Leo Austria.

Fajardo and Austria go a long way back, the latter being his first coach when they were part of the Beermen team that played in the Asean Basketball League.

The two would reunite when Austria joined the PBA squad in 2014, winning nine championships together until the longtime coach was bumped off to a consultant role before the 2023 Governors’ Cup.

“Siyempre, nami-miss. Nakaka-usap ko naman ‘yun,” said Fajardo.

Jorge Gallent has taken over as San Miguel head coach, and Fajardo said the team is moving on from the coaching change. So far, the Beermen are 2-0 under Gallent after a 105-86 win over Blackwater.

Fajardo played a big role in San Miguel’s win, scoring 17 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

“Kailangan lang namin i-continue ‘yung game namin. Maganda ‘yung start namin. Sana ma-sustain namin sa conference na ‘to,” said Fajardo.

Fajardo said the transition has been near seamless since Gallent has been with the team for a long time as well being Austria’s assistant coach.

Fajardo said Gallent even urged the team to continue what Austria has instilled in the ballclub during his stay as head coach.

“Wala naman masyado (adjustments). Si Coach Jorge, tagal na rin sa amin. ‘Yung sistema niya, the same lang kay coach Leo eh. Konting adjustments lang,” said Fajardo.

“Kailangan pa rin namin gawin ‘yung laro namin. Nagbago pero ‘yung sistema, hindi ganun kalaki ‘yung nagbago. Lagi naman kami nire-remind ni coach Jorge na i-continue ‘yung winning ways ni coach Leo,” said Fajardo.