San Miguel’s Interest in Bench Bigs Signals Confidence in Fajardo and Tautuaa’s Health
The San Miguel Beermen are reportedly eyeing veteran big men Raoul Soyud and Michael Miranda to reinforce their frontcourt. While both players bring experience and solid rotational depth, what stands out is that neither is a starting-caliber big man at this stage of their careers. Instead, this move suggests that the Beermen remain confident in the health and durability of Junemar Fajardo and Moala Tautuaa.
Over the past few seasons, injuries have plagued the Beermen’s star big men, particularly Fajardo, whose presence dictates San Miguel’s dominance inside the paint. Despite those concerns, San Miguel seems content with adding reliable yet unspectacular frontcourt depth rather than making a splash for a higher-caliber reinforcement.
Soyud and Miranda have carved out respectable careers as hustle players who can provide quality minutes off the bench. Soyud, formerly of TNT and NLEX, is known for his rebounding and efficient finishing around the rim, while Miranda brings toughness and a physical defensive presence. However, neither player has proven to be a game-changer at the level of a frontline starter for a championship-contending team like San Miguel.
This decision raises an interesting question: does San Miguel truly believe that Fajardo and Tautuaa are fully capable of shouldering the load in the paint for an entire season and deep into the playoffs? The team’s dominant core, led by six-time MVP Fajardo, continues to be the backbone of their success, but given his recent injury history, some fans and analysts might have expected the Beermen to pursue a more impactful frontcourt reinforcement.
Instead, San Miguel appears to be banking on continuity and stability, trusting that their championship-tested frontcourt remains formidable enough to handle the grind of the season. If Fajardo and Tautuaa stay healthy, this approach makes sense, allowing the team to strengthen its depth without disrupting its core rotation. However, if injuries resurface, the Beermen might find themselves regretting not making a bolder move in the big man market.
For now, all signs point to San Miguel maintaining confidence in their star bigs. Whether that trust pays off or backfires remains to be seen, but their decision to target Soyud and Miranda instead of a proven starter speaks volumes about their belief in Fajardo and Tautuaa’s ability to carry the load.
Comments
Post a Comment