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Photo Credit: smbportal.co.nr

For years, the basketball club named San Miguel Beermen is a team name commonly associated with a competitive and winning basketball team in the PBA.

Last season, it suddenly changed it to Magnolia Beverage Masters for some marketing reasons. The change in name hardly made an impact in the team’s performance as it failed to land a championship despite a powerhouse lineup.

Now that the old team name was back, will it make any difference in our team’s performance?

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San Miguel back in the PBA brew

Source: Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)
October 1, 2008

Veterans Danny Seigle and Olsen Racela couldn’t be any happier now that they’ll be known as the San Miguel Beermen anew in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

“I think I had better luck as a Beerman,” said Seigle.

“I’m always a Beerman through and through,” beamed Racela.

The PBA pioneer basketball team always used the name San Miguel Beer ever since it joined the PBA in 1975. San Miguel Beer, the Pale Pilsen variety, is the flagship product of San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (SMB Inc.).

And it’s not just the change of name that excites them most.

Going into the PBA Philippine Cup, the SMB had just acquired three more vital cogs in Mick Pennisi, Jay Washington and Bonbon Custodio in its drive for an 18th title in the basketball league.

Saddled with injuries to most of its basketball stars like Danny Ildefonso and Seigle and coming up short of the final in the recent Fiesta Conference, the trio complements the already-star studded cast by giving it the extra kick.

The 6-foot-11 Pennisi, at 33, remains a feared and hard-nosed defender. Acquired in a celebrated trade recently, Pennisi vows to bring his brand of smart basketball play into the SMB system under Coach Siot Tanquincen.

“I’m not at all athletic and we know that athleticism just comes and goes. Although I’m not a high scorer, I can hit open shots, set good screens,” said the Fil-Australian.

At his side is a younger 6-foot-8 Jay-Jay Washington, a former No. 1 pick who is destined to fulfill his illustrious billing as a top rookie. Following frustrating years with his former team, J-Wash, as he is called, is ready to start all over again with the Beermen.

“My huge smile should tell you that I’m very happy to be with SMB. I haven’t had my A game after I was drafted and it was truly frustrating,” said the 26-year-old who looks to play a lot more pesky defense, block shots and make the right passes.

What Pennisi and Washington bring in size, Bonbon Custodio exudes in quickness, shooting and ability to penetrate when the need arises.