FOR Leo Austria, the turning point of San Miguel Beer's PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign came midway in the elimination round when it lost badly to Magnolia Hotshots.
In the light of what he considered as a humiliating 118-82 loss at the hands of the Hotshots, Austria disclosed having to make a very crucial decision of parting ways with import Charles Rhodes and get the services of another one.
Rhodes is not just a regular import for the Beerman.
The 34-year-old Rhodes was at the helm when San Miguel won this very same conference two years ago, where he was also adjudged as Best Import.
Besides, Rhodes was well-loved by the Beermen.
Sponsored content:
"He really have a good character and chemistry with the team," said Austria in describing his former import."
But with the losses piling up and its campaign slowly slipping away, Austria had nowhere to go but push the panic button.
"We need somebody who could help us win games," he said.
Charles Rhodes out and in came Chris McCullough.
"I think that's the turning point when I recruited Chris McCullough," said Austria looking back as the Beermen savor their latest conquest with a 102-90 win over TnT Katropa to wrap up the best-of-seven finals in six games Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sponsored content:
"Chris McCullough saved us and helped us a lot in this campaign."
McCullough, a first round pick of the Brooklyn Nets in the 2015 NBA draft, came on board with the Beermen limping to a 2-5 record.
Immediately, he turned things around for San Miguel by winning his first three outings before suffering a crucial 95-91 loss to Meralco at the end of the eliminations.
The setback relegated the Beermen as the seventh-seeded team heading to the playoffs and need to win back-to-back against no. 2 NorthPort to advance in the semis.
But Austria liked his team's chances.
"Isang talo lang out na kami. But we're able to make it kahit na twice-to-beat yung kalaban namin. But the players really worked hard kasi alam nila what is at stake this conference," said the San Miguel mentor.
In the semis, the Beermen slammed the door on Rain or Shine to set up a dream showdown with top seed TnT Katropa and super import Terrence Jones.
San Miguel lost the opener of the best-of-seven title series and trailed TnT, 2-1, after three games.
McCullough, playing behind the shadows of Jones for most of the conference, decided to step on the gas starting in Game 4 to help tie the series.
It was in Game 5 however, that McCullough showed his real value for the Beermen.
The import exploded for 19 points in the payoff period to lead San Miguel's charge back from the depths of a 16-point deficit and win, 99-94, to finally take the lead in the finals for the very first time.
McCullough then helped the Beermen put the Katropa away for good in the second half of Game 6, scoring 22 of his 35 points to clinch the championship for San Miguel.
Austria said McCullough's arrival couldn't have come at the most opportune time for the Beermen.
"We need somebody who could score in the perimeter and a 6-foot-9 player who could score is always a threat," said the champion coach.
"He's NBA caliber at makikita ninyo naman. And basta first round ka, there is something really in you." (RG)
