Change of (game) plans
Import Gabe Freeman's suspension forced San Miguel coach Leo
Austria to change his game plan against Westports Malaysia on Saturday in the
ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“They’re afraid of teams playing them man-to-man, they could not adjust that easily. They always expect teams to play them the zone,” said Austria, who was planning to utilize Freeman’s six-foot-six frame to limit the touches of Malaysia’s American import Sammy Monroe.
“Gabe can play the 2-3 spot. But now, I have to utilize my bench with his suspension. We’re planning to double-team their big men to force them to give up the ball.”
Austria said they will no longer appeal the suspension, however, he was surprised that the league suspended Freeman.
“The suspension could have a blessing in disguise. Gabe can rest his left knee that he injured during our game against the Singapore Slingers.”
Freeman has slapped a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and fined an undisclosed amount by the ABL for “Excessive Physical Contact” against Singapore’s Kyle Jeffers in the February 24 game the Beermen won, 66-55, in Singapore.
Freeman is averaging 18.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.71 blocks per game.
Austria
had already mapped out his strategy to exact revenge against the Dragons, who
scored a 77-65 win over the Beermen in their first meeting at the MABA Stadium
in Kuala Lumpur, where they would play the visiting team man-to-man.
“They’re afraid of teams playing them man-to-man, they could not adjust that easily. They always expect teams to play them the zone,” said Austria, who was planning to utilize Freeman’s six-foot-six frame to limit the touches of Malaysia’s American import Sammy Monroe.
“Gabe can play the 2-3 spot. But now, I have to utilize my bench with his suspension. We’re planning to double-team their big men to force them to give up the ball.”
Austria said they will no longer appeal the suspension, however, he was surprised that the league suspended Freeman.
“The suspension could have a blessing in disguise. Gabe can rest his left knee that he injured during our game against the Singapore Slingers.”
Freeman has slapped a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and fined an undisclosed amount by the ABL for “Excessive Physical Contact” against Singapore’s Kyle Jeffers in the February 24 game the Beermen won, 66-55, in Singapore.
Freeman is averaging 18.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.71 blocks per game.
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