The San Miguel Beermen had an epic season on paper, with dominating performances and victories. However, their arch-rivals, Barangay Ginebra, managed to throw a wrench in their plans to be the number one team of the season - with their sister team's success in the Commissioner's Cup and their current spot in the finals of the Governors' Cup.
The Beermen clinched the Philippine Cup title after defeating the TNT Tropang GIGA, thanks to standout players like June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez, who are both vying for the MVP award. The team also has Marcio Lassiter, Jericho Cruz, Chris Ross, Vic Manuel, Simon Enciso, and Mo Tautuaa - and this stacked roster is always seen as title contenders.
Despite an insignificant change in their roster (Paul Zamar to Allyn Bulanadi), the team remained largely intact. However, there was drama in the coaching department when Leo Austria was replaced by Jorge Gallent. When Leo Austria took over and brought his own strategies and style to the team, he ended the era of "Petronovela." Austria led the team to nine championships, including two "almost grand slams." He is also one of the key elements in the emergence of June Mar Fajardo. Sure, JMF had the skills to back it up but Austria nurtured Fajardo in the ABL and continued it in the PBA.
Austria basically did what Baby Dalupan and Dante Silverio once did in the pioneer days in which they had the ability to massage superstar egos.
During the coaching change, San Miguel lost to Bay Area in the Commissioner's Cup semifinals and was swept by Ginebra in the Governors' Cup semifinals.
The team also faced challenges with injuries to key players like Fajardo and Terrence Romeo. At this point, it's safe to say that The Kraken's seventh MVP crown is at risk of being taken by Scottie Thompson. While Jericho Cruz stepped up, Romeo's limited playing time due to a longstanding injury has been disappointing.
With a solid 38-21 record, San Miguel's team seems strong on paper and in need of minimal adjustments. However, history has shown that chemistry issues can hamper their championship aspirations, and they need to address those challenges to continue their quest for glory in the upcoming seasons.
And yeah, hopefully, the coaching change wouldn't lead to the coaching carousel of the early 2010s that prompted the start of the Petronovela era.
These are not official stats.
I got the stats from REAL GM. I also got my information from the PBA website, Wikipedia, and other sports sites.