HAVING the new pope as a namesake has given San Miguel coach Leo Austria a new bounce and called himself "lucky" for the coincidence.
United States Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pontiff and chose Pope Leo XIV as his papal name. That decision resonated well with the SMB coach who was joyfully called "Pope Leo" by the Beermen after the team held practice following the announcement at the Vatican.
Austria called himself "swerte" for having the same name as the Pope and while he did not say so, he probably will be more religious and maybe treat each SMB win or loss from now on as divine interventiuon.
READ: Trollano's fiery start sets tone for San Miguel rout of Phoenix
Austria also noted that he and Pope Leo's birthday fall on the same date, though not the same month. They were both born on the 14th with Pope Leo in September and "Pope Leo" in May. The Pontiff in 1955, the coach in 1958.
“Suwerte,” said Austria.
Coach Austria's luck extended to the hardcourt. The Beermen cruised to victory in their PBA Philippine Cup contest against Phoenix, 111-92, on Sunday. The win came after SMB lost to TNT last week.
But since basketball is different from God's will, the coach and the Beermen may need more blessings from the Vatican as they try to atone for missing the playoffs of the Commissioner’s Cup.
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