When I first heard James Gomez de Liaño’s statement about his return to the PBA, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. “I felt like it’s the perfect time,” he said, reflecting on his four-year stint overseas. “I’ve been overseas for four years. I gained a lot of experience there. Developed a lot, not just as a player, but as a person as well.” That kind of maturity and international exposure is exactly what the San Miguel Beermen need right now. As someone who’s followed the PBA for over a decade, I’ve seen teams rise and fall based on roster chemistry and strategic depth—and San Miguel is at a pivotal moment. They’ve always been a powerhouse, but this season feels different. There’s a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry young talent that could redefine their trajectory. Let’s dive into what makes this team tick, from key players like June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez to the tactical innovations that could secure them another championship.

Let’s start with the big man himself, June Mar Fajardo. Standing at 6’10” and weighing around 268 pounds, he’s not just a physical presence; he’s the heart of San Miguel’s inside game. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched him dominate the paint, averaging around 18 points and 12 rebounds per game last season. His ability to draw double teams opens up so many opportunities for shooters on the perimeter. But here’s where it gets interesting: the addition of Gomez de Liaño adds a new layer. Having played in leagues abroad, like his time in Japan’s B.League, James brings a versatility that’s rare. He’s not just a scorer; his defensive reads and court vision have sharpened, which I think will elevate the team’s transition game. Remember that game against Barangay Ginebra last year where San Miguel struggled with fast breaks? With James, they could turn those defensive stops into quick points, maybe boosting their fast-break efficiency by 15-20%. It’s not just about stats, though; it’s about the intangibles. His overseas experience means he’s faced different styles—more physical European plays or the speed of Asian leagues—and that adaptability is gold in the PBA’s unpredictable schedule.

Then there’s CJ Perez, arguably one of the most explosive guards in the league. I’ve always admired his relentless energy; he’s like a spark plug that never runs out. Last season, he put up impressive numbers, something like 22 points and 5 assists per game, but what stands out to me is his improvement in decision-making. Earlier in his career, he’d sometimes force shots, but now he’s picking his moments, which makes him deadlier in clutch situations. Pair him with Marcio Lassiter, who’s shooting at a 38% clip from beyond the arc, and you’ve got a backcourt that can stretch defenses thin. But here’s my take: San Miguel’s winning strategy isn’t just about individual brilliance. It’s about how coach Jorge Gallent integrates these pieces. I’ve noticed they’ve been experimenting with small-ball lineups, using Fajardo as a decoy to free up shooters. In one game I analyzed, they ran a pick-and-roll with Perez and Fajardo that resulted in a 70% success rate in the fourth quarter. That’s not luck; it’s repetition and trust. And with Gomez de Liaño’s overseas insights, I bet they’ll incorporate more international sets, like Spain’s pick-and-roll actions or Japan’s motion offense, to keep opponents guessing.

Defensively, San Miguel has room to grow, and that’s where players like Chris Ross come in. At 38, he might not have the same speed, but his IQ is off the charts. I’ve seen him rack up steals in critical moments, averaging around 2 per game, and his leadership on that end is contagious. However, I’m a bit concerned about their bench depth. Last season, their second unit occasionally faltered, costing them close games—like that 5-point loss to TNT where the bench only contributed 12 points. If they can develop younger guys like Allyn Bulanadi, who showed flashes of potential with 8 points per game in limited minutes, it’ll make a huge difference. Personally, I’d love to see more minutes for Gomez de Liaño in defensive rotations; his overseas experience taught him how to read offenses, and that could shore up their perimeter D.

Looking at the bigger picture, San Miguel’s success hinges on balancing their offensive firepower with disciplined defense. They’ve got the talent to average over 100 points per game, but if they can trim their turnovers from 15 to under 12 per game, they’ll be unstoppable. I’m optimistic because teams that blend local grit with global flair, like what Gomez de Liaño brings, often peak at the right time. In my years covering the PBA, I’ve seen how a single player’s growth can ripple through a squad—think of how Fajardo’s MVP seasons lifted everyone. This year, with the playoffs looming, I predict San Miguel could finish with a 12-6 record and a deep finals run, maybe even clinching the title if they stay healthy. Ultimately, it’s not just about X’s and O’s; it’s about heart, and from where I stand, this team has plenty of it.