IT MAY FACE a disadvantage against rivals cashing in on the “unlimited height” rule for imports in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup but Blackwater believes George King is the right man for the job.
Mr. King, who stands under 6-foot-6, whipped up a storm when he came in as replacement import in the Governors’ Cup, firing a league-high 40.29 points per game highlighted by a single-game high of 64 markers and 17 four-point baskets, plus 13.14 rebounds and 4.71 assists in seven outings.
In his second gig, the 30-year-old American will seek to settle an unfinished business as he and the Bossing fell a win short of making the Governors’ Cup playoffs with their 5-5 card in Group B.
“We feel like bringing in George (King) is us choosing an import that we’re familiar with, someone that can carry us,” Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso said in the Power and Play program on One PH.
“There’s guaranteed numbers I think we can expect from him so you know that understanding and that conclusion (that) kind of just overlap the worries that we may be smaller as some teams may be bringing in a seven-footer. But we just feel like with him, the team is more confident and we’re just going to build off that,” he added.
Mr. Cariaso also has high expectations from Fil-Am rookie Sedrick Barefield, who was their top local scorer last conference with 18.9 markers.
“He really brings in a unique talent. You need talent to win in this league and you go across the teams that are in the semis, there’s talent across that lineup. And Sed coming over brings us additional talent to our squad that we much needed. What I’ve gotten to learn about him the last few months is he’s a winner and he’s a fighter,” he said.
But one key component of Blackwater’s promising run last conference won’t be around this time. Troy Rosario, who accounted for 13.5 points and 6.0 rebounds, opted for free agency despite getting what Mr. Cariaso described as “a really competitive offer” from the Bossing.
Thus, Mr. Cariaso said the challenge is for the likes of Christian David, Richard Escoto, Justin Chua, Bradwyn Guinto, Jewel Ponferada and youthful Clifford Jopia to rise to the occasion.
“I think everyone is ready to step up. We had a really awesome first week of practice. I see the motivation and the inspiration of a lot of these players who are going to be given more opportunities (in Rosario’s absence),” said Mr. Cariaso.
“I expect more things from our veterans and then I know the work ethic of a Mr. Jopia. I know he hasn’t proved himself too much but I think he’s deserving of consistent playing time and you’re going to see him more. But the idea is when one man goes down (or out), everyone else has to step up and that’s what we’re going to do.” — Olmnin Leyba
