For about a decade since it started to participate in the Philippine Basketball Association, Blackwater has been searching for its identity.
The team has been constantly moving pieces, including the cornerstones of its franchise, hoping they could put together a winning formula — whether it’s the coaching staff or the players.
But the present roster now being handled by grand slam champion Jeff Cariaso and anchored on young veterans like Troy Rosario, Rey Suerte, new key acquisition Rey Nambatac and rookies Christian David and James Kwekuteye among others, had certainly turned the Bossing as among the crack squads in the tournament.
Although the team suffered its third straight loss after 103-110 setback at the hands of Rain or Shine, the Bossing were able to put together three straight wins at the start of the Philippine Cup and give squads which defeated them a run for their money.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao caught Blackwater’s fancy.
“Itong Blackwater, I think they put together one of their best line ups since nabuo sila. They have the speed, they have the size, they have the scoring ability, so I just hope they keep this line up for long dahil ang tingin ko pang-laban itong line up nila na ito. Ang hirap talunin,” said Guiao.
Blackwater had already surpassed its record in the Commissioner’s Cup where it only won one of 11 games, but Cariaso is hoping they could crack the playoffs this time following the tinkering the team underwent prior to the start of the Philippine Cup.
Justin Chua and Jaydee Tungcab, two players acquired by the Bossing as part of the three-team trade with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser at the centerpiece of the transaction, and immediately, these players proved they can make a contribution.
The conference is far from over and the Bossing are still in the .500 win-loss mark and with teams outside of the elite powerhouse squads making their presence felt, the Ever Bilena-owned franchise might be able to pull off some surprises.
