CHICAGO - When Blackwater first entered PBA in the 2014-2015 Philippine Cup, the team was understandably bad.
Then monickered as Elite, the expansion franchise finished with an 0-11 won-lost record and missed the playoffs.
Eleven years later, now known as Blackwater Bossing, they ended their 2025 Philippine Cup campaign with a 1-10 slate.
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After over a decade in the league, Blackwater hasn't progressed much. still so bad that even inflation can't increase their winning rate.
As most pro teams do when success is elusive, the blame falls squarely on the lap of the head coach, which in this case is Jeff Cariaso.
"We have a long way to go," the eight-time PBA champion and 10-time PBA All-Star told reporters shortly after his hiring three years ago.
CULTURE OF LOSING.
With a 16-50 record under Cariaso, Blackwater hasn't exactly taken a giant leap, more like baby steps with massive falls in between.
In fairness to the 54-year old Fil-Am, it's hard to thrive under an environment that is not conducive to winning.
Two former coaches told me that the main challenges at Blackwater are a limited budget and an inability to hold on to top draft picks, an inaction that stunts team growth.
Still, with three players on the roster that have US NCAA Division 1 credentials - Sedrick Barefield, Dolph Panopio and Christian David - there was reasonable expectation that the Bossing should win more than just one game this conference.
It's unclear if Cariaso is on the hot seat. Only team owner Decoceldo Sy knows and he's prone to keep his thoughts to himself.
BUT THERE ARE TELL-TALE SIGNS.
"Normally, contract extensions are signed before the end of the year, so unless may secret signing na hindi na announce, malamang magpalit na yun ng coach," a PBA agent told me on Monday.
If Sy pulls the trigger, one strong candidate has emerged.
Pat Aquino.
The highly decorated Gilas Pilipinas Women coach, who has six UAAP women's crowns and now a Southeast Asian Games gold medal under his belt, is currently a Blackwater assistant.
"He is loyal and has been with Ever Bilena (parent company of Blackwater) for almost 30 years," a source said.
Coach Jeff did not respond to a request for an interview.
But if he leaves, he won't be in the free agent market for long.
Jeff Cariaso is a great coaching mind who will succeed under the right circumstances.
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