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. 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 F...