San Miguel Beermen rookie Chris Miller rarely sees action. But on Wednesday, against the Converge FiberXers, no less, he was on the floor in the third quarter, getting burn and some meaningful minutes in his young PBA career.
Miller finished with modest numbers: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Nevertheless, Leo Austria believed his rookie played well against Converge and is up for more minutes moving forward.
“I’m so happy also Miller got plenty of time, and he was able to play well,” Austria told reporters, unprompted, after San Miguel’s hard-fought win over Converge. “I hope his game will continue until next game because we need somebody who can pressure the big guards, and he’s one of them.”
Chris Miller Might Get His Chance Even with Struggles
If Austria is to be believed, Chris Miller will get more chances to prove his worth moving forward. That’s because he has been doing well in practice, according to Austria, even as the adjustment period continues to be a difficult one.
“No’ng first game, nasa plano ko [to play him] because it’s about time for him to play a little longer because he’s doing well in practice, and nakikita naman namin,” Austria said of the ninth overall pick of the recent draft. “I think the adjustment period is still needed. Medyo nahihirapan pa siya, but I hope this game gave him more confidence because it’ll be good for the team.”
At 6-foot-2, the lefty Fil-Am gives San Miguel size and athleticism at the guard spot—and potentially another key piece after grizzled veterans Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, and CJ Perez. And against Converge, Miller showed he could defend quick guards, which kept him on the floor even as he went just 1-for-8 from the field. But he did get good looks, thrice getting open looks from midrange as he attacked the FiberXers’ defense.
If anything, Chris Miller showed shades of a good player against Converge. But whether Austria follows through on his plan to give the rookie more minutes is something to keep an eye on.
