San Miguel’s struggles this conference have turned their usual victory celebrations into a sobering reality.
Since joining the PBA in 1975, the Beermen have been synonymous with winning, amassing 29 championships and featuring some of the league’s most legendary players. Led by nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, they still boast a star-studded lineup. Fajardo continues to dominate, averaging 18.7 points and 17.3 rebounds per game, making him the statistical leader in the Best Player of the Conference race.
However, despite his stellar performance, inconsistencies have plagued the team. With a 3-4 record midway through the conference, they find themselves in an unfamiliar position—needing a playoff win just to secure the last quarterfinal spot. If they hope to climb the standings in their remaining five games, they must address critical issues.
Import Instability
San Miguel’s revolving door of imports remains a major concern. With Bennie Boatwright sidelined due to injury, the team has already rotated through three different reinforcements. Their latest, Jabari Narcis, has struggled to make an impact, posting a net plus-minus of minus-22—the worst among all Beermen. His poor shooting and lack of floor-spacing have further disrupted the team’s offensive flow. Torren Jones, another option, put up solid numbers in the EASL but presented similar spacing challenges. Finding the right import fit alongside Fajardo remains a pressing issue.
Offensive Struggles and Coaching Adjustments
Known for their offensive firepower, the Beermen have surprisingly posted the worst offensive rating in the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup, averaging just 81.3 points per 100 possessions. Their shooting inefficiencies, coupled with a mid-conference coaching change, have contributed to their woes.
Leo Austria’s return as head coach has led to system adjustments, particularly a greater emphasis on post play through Fajardo. This transition has caused fluctuations in playing time, affecting player rhythm and chemistry. Veteran Chris Ross has seen an increase in minutes, but his offensive output remains low. Meanwhile, Juami Tiongson continues to adjust to his role, adding to the team’s inconsistency.
The CJ Perez Dilemma
CJ Perez remains a key contributor, but his inconsistent play raises concerns. While averaging 14.9 points, four rebounds, and 2.7 assists, his efficiency has been underwhelming—shooting just 40.4% from the field and 25% from three-point range. His reliance on isolation plays has further stalled the offense, while his tendency to gamble on defense has left the team vulnerable. Finding the right balance in his role will be crucial moving forward.
Can San Miguel Turn Things Around?
The Beermen’s struggles stem from a mix of import instability, offensive inefficiencies, inconsistent rotations, and underwhelming performances from key players. However, with a roster filled with talent, they still have time to regain their form—if they can swiftly address these issues and find the right balance before it’s too late.