San Miguel was the only team that made multiple import changes in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. While this may have played a role in their failed title defense, the Beermen are not using it as an excuse for their early exit.
“It’s tough, but at the same time, it’s no excuse,” admitted veteran Fil-Am wingman Marcio Lassiter in an article posted on the PBA website.
Throughout the 12-game eliminations, San Miguel brought in four different imports—Quincy Miller, Torren Jones, Jabari Narcis, and Malik Pope—averaging a new reinforcement every three games.
The constant changes disrupted team chemistry, contributing to the Beermen’s disappointing 5-7 record, which ultimately cost them a playoff spot.
San Miguel’s reign officially ended Wednesday night when NLEX eliminated them by beating guest team Eastern, 94-76.
Lassiter acknowledged the challenge of adjusting to new imports, saying, “Any time you get a new import, you have to relearn the system for the new guy. So it is tough. We did change a lot, and hey, find a way and make it work. So every day was a learning experience.”
This marks the first time in a decade that San Miguel missed the playoffs, breaking a streak of 22 consecutive postseason appearances dating back to the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.
According to chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, they are also the first defending champion to miss the playoffs since Barangay Ginebra in the 2005 Fiesta Conference.
Despite the setback, Lassiter remains optimistic, seeing it as a learning opportunity.
“You can learn from every game, win or lose. So we’ll just have to think about what we need to do,” he said.
San Miguel joins Phoenix, Blackwater, and Terrafirma among the teams eliminated from playoff contention.
The post San Miguel makes no excuses for early PBA Commissioner’s Cup exit first appeared on Fastbreak.
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