BLACKWATER parades its fine-tuned roster when it faces Meralco on Wednesday to open hostilities of the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Rey Nambatac and James Yap will see action in the Bossing’s encounter with the Bolts at 4:30 p.m.
Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso sees Nambatac and Yap as having a large impact on the Bossing as they look to become a competitive team in this conference. Blackwater was able to acquire Rey Nambatac in a trade with Rain or Shine, while Yap was signed when he was released by the Elasto Painters.
Cariaso is especially high on Nambatac as he expects him to play even more minutes than in his time with Rain or Shine.
“Rey Nambatac will play a bigger role because we specifically seek for him and went after him to be our starting point guard. He is going to be the main contributor for us,” said Cariaso.
“James still has gas left in his tank. I really think he does. To have him still being able to play and have him in the locker room for us,” said Cariaso.
Cariaso said the entry of Nambatac and Yap brought a different vibe just with their presence around the team since the day they came into Blackwater.
“Honestly, Rey and James have been really a tremendous positive vibe when they came in. That’s something we want with new guys coming in. They bring something positive. I think they will be a value on the court,” said Cariaso.
“They are two character guys and it helps the camaraderie and the locker room being a little bit more together,” he added.
Before the game, Blackwater made another move by acquiring Jaydee Tungcab and Justin Chua after being part of a three-team trade that sent Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser from NLEX to TNT.
Even with the entry of the new players, Cariaso said the opening game against Meralco will be not a walk in the park.
“Even though it is only our first game and there’s 10 more after, there has to be a sense of urgency in how we do things. We have to understand that for every opportunity that comes our way, we have to be smart and we have to be better. We are going up against a very good team in Meralco that has been together for a long time. They know each other and played in the EASL and that will only boost their morale. We will have our hands full,” said Cariaso.
In the second game, TNT and Rain or Shine collide at 7:30 p.m.
Chot Reyes makes his return as Tropang Giga coach after concentrating on his previous role as Gilas Pilipinas head coach.
The Tropang Giga will also be parading Ganuelas-Rosser, who has now brought additional size for the team in the Philippine Cup.
The Elasto Painters get an early test after an impressive Commissioner’s Cup campaign where the core led by Andrei Caracut made the quarterfinals even after starting the conference with a 0-5 win-loss record.
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