BLACKWATER’s retooled lineup gets an initial acid test when it faces a Meralco crew Wednesday in a match kicking off the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Unlike the Bossing, who underwent some major changes since winding up next-to-last in the Commissioner’s Cup, the Bolts are fielding the same local lineup that made it as far as the quarterfinals of the season-opening tourney.
Moreover, Meralco comes to the match with a complete lineup and sans any injury that has plagued its start in recent conferences.
That fact doesn’t lessen Bolts coach Luigi Trillo’s cautious approach to the game, however. “We have to be on our toes, kasi ang mga teams na iyan matataas ang kumpiyansa starting out a conference,” he pointed out.
“Wala pa silang pressure, di pa sila na-da-down, eh,” added Trillo. “Kumbaga, buo pa kumpiyansa nila.”
Indeed, Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso is unabashedly upbeat about his team’s new make-up. “I’m very optimistic, very positive,” he said of his new roster.
The Bossing now have two-time MVP James Yap, Rey Nambatac, Justin Chua and Jaydee Tungcab taking the place of Baser Amer, Ato Ular, Gab Banal, Rashawn McCarthy and Yousef Taha, who were either traded or released.
“Happy kami sa composition ng team, sa lineup,” added Cariaso. “It’s now about moving forward, learning about each other more and improving as a team.”
Nambatac is now set to share the backcourt chores along with Jayvee Casio, Rey Suerte, RK Ilagan, Tungcab and Mike Digregorio, while Chua should help out Troy Rosario, James Sena and Richard Escoto in the frontline.
Although he may not be as prolific as in his younger years, the 45-year-old Yap is also expected to help out in other ways.
“Of course, mayroon pa siyang ipapakita on the court,” said Cariaso of Yap. “Pero crucial din ‘yung kanyang leadership, locker room presence, advising young players on how to be true professionals, sharing experiences.”
Also expected to at least chip in quality minutes are rookies James Kwekuteye, Archie Concepcion and Clifford Jopia, who came in late in the Commissioner’s Cup but now have had more time to gel with the other Bossing through their practices and tuneup games.
“We have to be able to work around them being new and then having to play games right away,” said Cariaso. “So iyon ang magiging challenge.” (NC)
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