SMB announces lineup for Governor’s Cup, formally announcing Jorge Gallent as the head coach after Leo Austria informed the team of his decision of taking a coaching sabbatical.
The San Miguel Beermen have revealed its official lineup for the 2022-23 PBA Governors' Cup, officially announcing that Jorge Gallent will be taking over the head coaching duties from nine-time PBA Champion coach Leo Austria.
On January 21, the Beermen posted their lineup and confirmed that coach Gallent will call the shots for the team this upcoming conference, team manager Gee Abanilla said through a text message sent to ABS CBN News.
“Coach Leo met with management a few days ago and informed us that he wishes to take a coaching sabbatical for personal reasons starting the Governors’ Cup. We respect his decision and we understand his situation as we fully support whatever he needs,” said Abanilla.
“With this development, he will remain with the team as a consultant and we have elevated Coach Jorge Gallent as the Head Coach. Coach Jorge will take over bringing with him PBA head coaching experience and an exciting future for the franchise,” he added.
Austria, for personal reasons, will take a much deserved break from the PBA scene after steering the San Miguel Beermen to nine championships in his eight-year tenure with the team, with the 2022 Philippine Cup last October as his latest victory as reported by Spin.ph.
However, during the recently concluded Commissioner’s Cup, Austria had to step down after being placed in the league’s health protocols -/ Gallent immediately took over and lead the team to winning six straight games.
But the Beermen saw the return of their head coach during Game Two of their series clash against the visiting team Bay Area Dragons who ended up in a 7-game series against the Barangay Ginebra.
The 54 year-old Far Eastern University product will be back in helm for a PBA team for the first time since the 2010-11 PBA Season when he was the head coach of B-Meg.
Austria, meanwhile, has been elevated to a team consultant of San Miguel as he goes through a temporary leave from coaching.
“To the SMB supporters, rest assured that we will continue to WORK TOGETHER and strive for a successful campaign in the Governor’s Cup onwards,” ended Abanilla’s message.
Tags: #PBA, #SMB, #coach