The 2024/25 East Asia Super League (EASL) kicked off with an exciting clash between the San Miguel Beermen and Suwon KT Sonicboom at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, October 2. Despite a thrilling contest, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) powerhouse, San Miguel, couldn’t secure the win, falling to their Korean Basketball League (KBL) counterparts, 87-81.
Suwon KT Sonicboom draws first blood in Manila, Philippines 🇵🇠pic.twitter.com/wBiWlEYVKJ
— East Asia Super League (@EASLofficial) October 2, 2024
This loss marked a tough start for San Miguel in the EASL, but the game held special significance for one of their key players EJ Anosike, San Miguel’s import. Anosike, who once played for Suwon KT Sonicboom, delivered an impressive performance against his former team, showcasing his skills and leadership on the court. However, despite his individual brilliance and the strong contributions of his teammates, the Beermen fell short in this highly anticipated opener.
The matchup between San Miguel and Suwon was closely contested, with both teams trading blows throughout the game. Leading the charge for San Miguel was EJ Anosike, who put on a show against his former club, racking up a game-high 34 points.
Anosike’s all-around effort included seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, highlighting his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His scoring outburst kept San Miguel competitive and in the hunt for a victory.
Alongside Anosike, PBA legend June Mar Fajardo contributed significantly, adding 19 points and nine rebounds to the Beermen’s tally. Fajardo’s presence in the paint and his ability to finish around the rim were critical for San Miguel, especially in the first half, where they took a 43-39 lead heading into the break.
The combination of Anosike’s dynamic play and Fajardo’s inside dominance helped San Miguel control much of the early action. However, Suwon KT Sonicboom regrouped in the second half, tightening up their defense and executing on offense to mount a comeback that ultimately sealed the win.
Despite the loss, EJ Anosike embraced the experience of facing Suwon KT Sonicboom, the team that gave him his first professional opportunity. After the game, Anosike reflected on the emotional significance of the matchup, acknowledging the bonds and memories he shared with his former teammates in Suwon.
“I think this game was big for a lot of reasons,” Anosike said in the post-game interview. “Suwon gave me my first opportunity to play as a professional. We had a lot of good memories. I think everybody competed hard, and there is some bragging rights for them because we are still friends today.”
Anosike’s connection to Suwon added an extra layer of intensity to the game. While the competition was fierce on the court, there was a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie between Anosike and his former teammates. The 26-year-old import's performance demonstrated his growth as a player, and although he came up short in this encounter, it was clear that he relished the opportunity to face off against his old squad.
In addition to his on-court heroics, Anosike’s familiarity with Suwon KT Sonicboom proved invaluable in the preparation leading up to the game. San Miguel’s head coach, Jorge Gallent, acknowledged that Anosike played a crucial role in helping the team devise a strategy to counter Suwon’s tactics.
“We practiced just for an hour yesterday, watched videos of Suwon, and strategized about what to do with their guards and bigs,” Gallent explained. “EJ was a big factor because he came from that team, so he helped us, the coaches.”
Anosike’s knowledge of Suwon’s playing style and tendencies allowed the Beermen to make informed decisions about their defensive and offensive schemes. His insights on Suwon’s key players and strategies contributed to San Miguel’s preparation, even if they couldn’t translate it into a win on the scoreboard.
While the opening game didn’t go as planned for San Miguel, the team remains optimistic about their prospects in the EASL. The Beermen have ample time to regroup and work on their tactics before their next challenge against the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots on Wednesday, November 13, at the PhilSports Arena.
This upcoming game will be critical for San Miguel as they look to secure their first victory in the group stage and build momentum for the remainder of the tournament. Coach Gallent and his staff will undoubtedly use the lessons learned from the Suwon game to fine-tune their approach and put themselves in a better position to succeed moving forward.
The EASL has been a challenging competition for PBA teams over the years. Competing against top teams from other Asian basketball leagues such as the KBL, Japan B.League, and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) presents unique challenges for Philippine teams. The style of play, the physicality, and the tactical approaches vary from one league to another, making it a difficult environment for PBA teams to adapt quickly.
Despite the initial struggles in the 2024/25 edition, the PBA remains committed to competing at a high level in the EASL. San Miguel, with its rich history and star-studded roster, represents the PBA’s best chance at making a deep run in the tournament, and the team will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
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