Austria to take a break, says Adamson got left behind in recruiting

Following a disappointing campaign in the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tournament, head coach Leo Austria claimed he “deserves to have a break,” indicating he’s bent on parting ways with the Adamson men’s basketball team.

“It’s (contract extension) beyond my control whether I will continue to coach Adamson or not,” he said, moments after the Soaring Falcons suffered a 60-77 defeat to the University of the East Red Warriors Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Austria, 55, had earlier disclosed his plans of stepping down after the season amid the Adamson’s lackluster performance in the second round of eliminations where they dropped six games and 10 overall against four wins, good for a seventh-placed finish.

That was clearly far from what was expected by many from a souped-up Falcons team bannered by the likes of versatile wingman Jericho Cruz, hardworking power forward Rodney Brondial, shooter Roider Cabrera and hulking Cameroonian import Ingrid Sewa.

Austria, whose contract will expire on Oct. 31, knows his days are numbered at Adamson.

“Until now, nobody is talking to me regarding my stay with Adamson. That means they are decided,” he said. “I’m really sure na hindi na ako ma-e-extend ng contract. With the things going on, there’s an indication they want a change.”

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In seven seasons that he served as Adamson’s tactician, Austria piled up an overall win-loss record of 40-56, including three trips to the Final Four in Seasons 69, 73 and 74.

He also admitted the Falcons had the potential to snap a long dry spell in the men’s basketball championship since the Hector Calma-led team won Adamson its first and only title yet in 1977.

However, the school’s inability to keep in step with their rival’s aggressive recruitment programs hurt the Falcons’ chances, according to Austria.

“‘Yung ibang schools suportado ng mga (business) tycoons. Kami umaasa sa tulong ng ibang alumni. Tingi-tingi lang,” he rued. “Nowadays, it’s really hard to coach in the UAAP if you don’t have the resources because a lot of teams are rebuilding their team. In the next few years, they will even become better and better.”

Austria was quick to point out his plans of leaving Adamson has nothing to do with any coaching offer from other leagues notably in the pro ranks, stressing he has only signed a one-year contract to serve as an assistant coach of Petron Blaze.

If ever the Falcons will still pursue him, Austria wants to keep his options open.  “Kung kakausapin nila ako, I have to evaluate it thoroughly. This is my career. It’s a make or break point,” he said.

Taking a breather from the collegiate basketball scene is foremost in Austria’s mind right now, saying: “I want to have a break, at least a year or two before going back to UAAP. I want to figure out what is really happening.”

And he isn’t about to make any suggestion as to who his successor will be. “I don’t think I need to give them any recommendation. It’s not healthy. They want change so that means a new system.”