With Agustin at the helm, the Beermen completed their climb to the Last Dance, wrapping up their best-of-seven semifinal series, 4-2, against the Baragay Ginebra Gin Kings with a thrilling 89-86 victory that moved them forward to the finals against the Talk ‘N Text Batang Texters.

‘’I am thankful na nakarating kami sa finals on my rookie year. Masaya lang din ako kasi this is my first time to coach dito sa PBA tapos nag-finals kami,” said Agustin, a former most valuable player in the PBA.

Agustin is understandably proud of what he and the Beermen have accomplished this conference, but he’s far from satisfied. He wants to go all out and win the championship.

‘’As a rookie coach, masarap sa pakiramdam. Para na rin akong nagchampion dahil pumasok kami ng finals pero siyempre hindi pa kami tapos. Meron pa kaming mission and that is to win the championship. We’ll prepare hard for Talk ‘N Text. Hindi kami puwede mag-relax diyan,” Agustin said.

The battle of the titans pitting the no.1 and no.2 teams kicks off on Saturday in Victorias City for Game 1 of the best-of-seven championship series.

Despite all the praises heaped on him, Agustin said the credit should not go only to himself but to the rest of the organization – from the management, the coaching staff and the players.

‘’Sobrang thankful ako sa management sa trust nila pati sa mga assistant coaches dahil sila ‘yung nag-guide sa akin and tumutulong. For my players, thankful ako kasi ang babait nila and very professional. Naging madali ang adjustment ko. I just let them play their game and guide them kaya lumalabas yung mga talent nila.’’

Meanwhile, Meralco is eyeing National Basketball Developmental League and former New Mexico guard Anthony Danridge as its import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup slated to start next month.

Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today