PBA: Leo Austria grateful to be back coaching after health scare

MANILA, Philippines—Leo Austria was back calling the shots for San Miguel Beer for the first time since a heart procedure forced him to miss the first three games of the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Although Austria was already present in the team’s next three outings against NLEX, Titan Ultra and TNT, he remained having a reduced role until Wednesday night’s game against Converge.

Article continues after this advertisement

The 68-year-old Austria couldn’t be more grateful to be back actively running the Beermen’s sidelines and be on the winning side again.

WELCOME BACK, COACH LEO

SMB coach Leo Austria returns to the post-game press conference since his angioplasty procedure. #PBA50 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/CYoyMemMzt

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) August 5, 2026

“Thank God, I was able to have another opportunity to coach the team,” he said after steering his squad to a 126-114 win over the FiberXers at Araneta Coliseum.

“[At] the start of this conference, I didn’t know that there was something wrong with myself but I’m so thankful, there’s so many people who helped me. I’m back again to coach the team. I’m so happy to be back.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The 11-time champion coach underwent angioplasty following a series of tests last July 7 that came after a medical checkup revealed he had some blockage in his arteries.

Despite his vast coaching experience, Austria admitted he still felt jitters in his first game back.

“At the start, I was nervous because I was trying to feel the rhythm of the game and I’m happy because even if I didn’t coach in the past games, I tried my best to be with the team to inspire them.”

“I wanted to get back to work, where I belong.”