(PBA image)
After a rocky start to their Philippine Cup campaign, the San Miguel Beermen have found their rhythm, stringing together three straight wins to climb to 3-2. And while the team’s veteran starters have begun to click, it’s the bench that’s quietly been fueling the resurgence.
In their recent victory over Converge, San Miguel’s second unit nearly matched the production of the starters, pouring in 46 points compared to 50 from the first five—a testament to the team’s growing depth and chemistry.
“I’ve always been fair to my players by giving everyone chances,” said head coach Leo Austria, now in his 11th season at the helm. “And everyone knows that.”
Austria, known for maintaining a balanced team culture, rarely singles out individuals. But he made an exception for 27-year-old forward JM Calma, whose steady rise has caught the veteran coach’s eye. Averaging 7.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, Calma has become a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor.
“What I like about his game is he can shoot from the outside, he’s mobile and quick. Of course, he has an inside game, but his jumper opens up opportunities for himself and the team,” Austria said. “He’s a big deal for us because he’s athletic, improving defensively, and very coachable.”
A former standout under coach Egay Macaraya with the San Sebastian Golden Stags, Calma is steadily proving that he belongs in the PBA. With his versatility and work ethic, he’s emerging as one of the Beermen’s most promising pieces—and a player built for the long run in the pro league.