CHICAGO -- Being a No. 2 overall pick with impeccable credentials that include a Butler pedigree in the US NCAA Division 1 usually attracts the high profile spotlight.
That's not the case with Christian David, who has toiled, and mostly likely suffered, in relative anonymity in the two years since being drafted in the PBA's Season 48 Rookie Draft.
The anomaly has been caused primarily by the fact that the Canada-born wing man is playing for Blackwater Bossing, a franchise with a long, lonely history of losing.
But just like a sliver of sunlight somehow peeks even in the darkest corners of God's earth, David has shined at Blackwater.
Averaging 15.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 11 games, the 6-foot-6, 225-lb David was one of the few feel-good stories during Blackwater's ill-fated Philippine Cup campaign.
This past Friday, the 27-year old got his just rewards via a two year contract extension.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed but multiple sources told me that David secured a max deal of P420,000 a month plus perks and bonuses.
"I’m focused on making the most of the present and giving my all during this contract. While I’m committed to doing everything I can to help Blackwater succeed right now, I also believe in letting things unfold naturally," David said.
"I’ve always believed that if you work hard, stay dedicated, and contribute to the team’s goals, the future will take care of itself. But for now, I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to help Blackwater achieve great things."
DAVID NEEDS TO BE A GOLIATH
Being signed to a two-year deal, though, doesn't mean David is there to stay because Blackwater has traded top assets -- Bobby Ray Parks, Poy Erram and Rey Suerte just to name a few -- in the past.
According to an international agent who's constantly in the lookout for PBA players for potential spots in the KBL or Japan B. League, David isn't going elsewhere anytime soon.
"He's very good, top big in lower teams But not yet a target for top PBA teams. He needs to be more dominant in order to make a return to the KBL or play in Japan," a source said.
After also signing the third overall pick, Dalph Panopio, to a three-year deal, Blackwater flaunts a legitimate Big Three to include last year's No.2 overall pick Sedrick Barefield.
I can't believe I'm writing this: On paper Blackwater looks really good.
Coach Jeff Cariaso now has enough weapons on his roster for Blackwater to finally emerge from their usual doldrums of winning around two to three games in the Philippine Cup and other conferences.
But hey, assuming the team keeps its core intact with David, Barefiled and Panopio on board, there's a great chance Blackwater will be fun to watch.
And that's a wonderful thing.
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