Rebuild or Not: A Dilemma for San Miguel

Even the San Miguel Beermen are feeling the effects of a bad year in 2020 as they were already without June Mar Fajardo prior to the opening of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) last March. They lost Terrence Romeo during the early goings of the PBA bubble in Clark and recently, Marcio Lassiter missed a game due to a calf strain. On top of those injuries, the defending champions are slowly fading away from a potential top-four finish in the elimination round as they are on a two-game slump. 

Question: Should the San Miguel Beermen consider rebuilding even while they are still at the peak?

Bull By the Horn by Benny Benitez discussed that scenario during its latest episode on Saturday with Benny Benitez and nine-time PBA champion coach, Jong Uichico sharing their thoughts about the struggles that the Beermen are facing. 

"If you think of the business side, yes, San Miguel should start rebuilding" Uichico began as he pointed that the core players of the Beermen are already playing near the climax of their careers.  However, Uichico also explained what will make it difficult for San Miguel to let go of players. "The Filipinos are very sentimental. How can you in your right mind, trade all of these players that have given you so many championships? How do you weigh that balance that you owe them because of the championships but you have to trade them? How are you going to trade them when they are the reason for you being the champions?"

For Benitez, "You cannot compare the environment in the National Basketball Association (NBA) or other foreign leagues with the Philippines because you need to factor in our culture of being grateful" 

How indeed San Miguel is going to rebuild? 

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