Chris Miller, ninth overall pick by the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Draft, agreed to a two-year deal with the squad.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria was looking for a big point guard when he assessed the rookie hopefuls during the two-day PBA Draft Combine two weeks ago.
Come draft day, the Beermen tabbed Chris Miller as the ninth overall pick.
While not exactly a playmaker, Miller brings size, experience and shooting for SMB, which is also looking for offensive weapons to surround eight-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.
[ALSO READ: Guiao explains why PBA picks Christian Manaytay, Jun Roque won’t join Rain or Shine yet]
San Miguel did not let the opportunity to sign someone of Miller’s caliber pass after sealing a two-year deal Tuesday, Sept. 16.
SMB team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed this development.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Juan Gomez de Liaño gets three-year deal with Converge FiberXers]
When approached after the draft, Austria seemed convinced that Miller is tailor-made for the Beermen given his marksmanship.
After all, Miller emerged as the three-point king during the combine.
“We need somebody who can score from the perimeter. I think, 'yong ginawa ni Miller sa combine, ipinakita niyang mayroon syang shooting,” Austria said.
“We need somebody who can shoot from the perimeter because of our system. We need someone who can space the floor para sa kaniya (Fajardo).”
—
Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.