Remembering NCC Days - Leo Austria

Its not sheer magic for Leo Austria

And Leo, who is from Sariaya Quezon, polished his style with Masagana 99 in 
the amateur ranks. For five years, he was considered the heart and soul of 
the Ricegrowers. "I've learned a lot when I was with M-99. I've gained a 
lot of experience." Leo's only stint in the National team was during the 
1982 Seventh Asian Youth Basketball Championship held in Manila. The team 
was coached by Ron Jacobs. "I learned scientific basketball from Ron Jacobs. 
I've learned good defense. He taught me how to call the shots right. You 
have to talk to your teammates inside the court. You have to assert your 
role as point guard." How does it feel playing point guard in a team 
with superstars? "It's hard. I'm a rookie. But I don't have to feel 
inferior to the established PBA stars. The team needs someone to 
direct operations. If a point guard signals a play, that should be given 
importance no matter how weak or strong that play is." There's no doubt about it. 
Leo's headed for the big time. The question is: Is he ready for it?

From Sports Weekly Magazine 80's