Austria turns nostalgic in retro game

ENTERING the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday brought back so many wonderful memories for San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria.The 67-year-old Austria shared how the famed indoor basketball venue, which has witnessed numerous local and international basketball games since it was inaugurated in 1934, used to be his stomping ground as a collegiate and amateur player during the 1980s."For me, when I arrived at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, I had many memorable moments because during my amateur days, most of the games were played here," Austria said moments after steering San Miguel to a 110-98 win over Meralco in their retro game that marked the PBA's 50th anniversary on Wednesday.Long before he became a household name in pro basketball where he won nine league titles as San Miguel's head coach, Austria recalled winning a championship while playing for Lyceum University in the old Mucaa (Manila Universities and Colleges Athletic Association) at the historic coliseum.As a wide-eyed newbie who came from Sariaya, Quezon, Austria had to carve his own niche in the sport, something he was able to achieve through sheer hard work after helping amateur club team Masagana 99 reach the 1984 PABL (Philippine Amateur Basketball League) Ambassador's Cup title, before eventually losing to champion Bank of Rizal.Austria's stellar performance earned him the conference Most Valuable Player.The year after, Austria turned pro and was taken in the fourth round by Shell Azodrin in the 1985 PBA rookie draft. He went on to win the PBA Rookie of the Year, becoming the lowest pick ever to win the prestigious award.Austria saw action for nine seasons in the PBA and played a solid backup role for Formula Shell during the 1990 First Conference, when the franchise won its first-ever league crown.That became Austria's only PBA championship as a pro.While his PBA career may not be glittery compared to some of his contemporaries during that era, Austria treasured every moment he played at the old mecca of Philippine basketball. In fact, the SMB mentor said he had goosebumps upon walking inside the coliseum."I had goosebumps while reminiscing that's why before this game (against Meralco), I wanted to win," he said in Filipino. "There's something special in this place."Austria and the Beermen won their second straight game in the Philippine Cup with CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo dominating the retro game with 29 and 28 points, respectively, against the Meralco Bolts.