BIG man Christian David is with Blackwater in the 40th Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament in Davao, but opted not to play, as advised by team trainers.
The No. 2 overall pick in the Season 48 Draft missed out on the first three outings of the Bossing and is expected to do the same in their championship game against NLEX Sunday night at University of Southeastern Philippines.
A hurting groin has something to do with David being sidelined.
“Sumasakit yung groin niya, kaya we decided not to play na lang him muna,” said deputy coach Pat Aquino.
David was initially set to play in the PBA preseason tournament, according to head coach Jeff Cariaso.
“The plan is for CD to play,” he said. “But we asked him how he felt and got the recommendations of our trainers.”
Nonetheless, Blackwater got the job done and entered the winner-take-all match against the Road Warriors (2-1) with a perfect 3-0 record.
READ: Blackwater, NLEX arrange Kadayawan Invitational title duel
The Bossing came out on top in the two teams' preliminary head-to-head meeting, 95-90.
Christian's contract negotiations
David’s initial two-year contract with the franchise is set to expire next month, with negotiations for an extension still in its initial stage.
“Not yet extended,” said Cariaso when asked about talks between management and the camp of David, who’s being represented by Marvin Espiritu of the Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management.
But the Blackwater coach maintained just after the Bossing’s campaign in Season 49 that keeping the services of the 6-foot-6 David is a priority.
“Honestly, he’s the priority,” said Cariaso of the Butler product. “We will make sure that we sit him down, and yeah, the idea is to continue going. He deserves it.”
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