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Tag: Blackwater Bossing

  • Pat Aquino’s first win sparks momentum as Blackwater outlasts San Miguel 

    Pat Aquino’s first win sparks momentum as Blackwater outlasts San Miguel 

    Pat Aquino didn’t just earn his first victory as Blackwater head coach—he may have uncovered the identity his team has been searching for in all conferences.


    In a game that tested both composure and conviction, the Bossing outdueled powerhouse San Miguel, 126-120, Wednesday night to finally halt a four-game slide in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

    The breakthrough didn’t come easy. Aquino had inherited a team reeling from back-to-back blowouts and still finding its footing under new leadership. 

     

    His first two games in charge only added to the frustration—a narrow loss to TNT and a lopsided defeat to Phoenix stretched the skid. But instead of unraveling, Blackwater leaned in.

     

    “One for the books, of course. So tough,” Aquino described their breakthrough.

     

    That toughness was on full display against San Miguel, a team known for punishing lapses and staging comebacks. 

     

    Blackwater built a lead as big as 22, only to see it slowly erased as the Beermen clawed back and even briefly seized control in the fourth quarter.

     

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    Aquino, however, had already prepared his players for that exact moment.

     

    “I told them they’re gonna come back. This is a champion team, and Coach Leo is a champion coach. They’re gonna pull everything on us to get back at us. I just told the boys to never stop playing,” he explained.

     

    Import Robert Upshaw III anchored the charge with a dominant 35-point, 17-rebound, and five-assist performance, while Sedrick Barefield added 29 points and Christian David chipped in 15 points.

     

    On the other side, Bennie Boatwright did everything he could to give San Miguel their win, finishing with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, but Blackwater’s resilience proved stronger in the end.

     

    For Aquino, the win was more than a number in the standings, it was validation of patience, both his and the team’s.

     

    “A lot of challenges. A lot of good coaches around the league. And this is professional. We have to be professionals in a way that we gotta deal with it na talagang you have to perform and do your best all the time,” the 54-year-old mentor said.

     

    The locker room celebration that followed, complete with a well-earned drenching for their new coach, captured a team rediscovering belief. Still, reality quickly set in.

     

    At 2-6, Blackwater remains on the outside looking in, needing a near-perfect finish in its final four games to stay in the playoff hunt. And the road doesn’t get any easier, with Barangay Ginebra up next in a grueling back-to-back.

     

    For Aquino, though, that challenge carries a personal layer. “It’s gonna be hard for us because it’s back-to-back games against another champion, and of course, my idol Tim Cone,” the veteran coach expressed.

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield sets sights on joining Gilas Pilipinas 3×3

    Sedrick Barefield sets sights on joining Gilas Pilipinas 3×3

    For Sedrick Barefield, the numbers are starting to pile up—but the wins are not.

     

    The Blackwater Bossing guard delivered another solid individual performance with 27 points, two rebounds, and two assists, but it came in a 125-108 defeat to Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters—a result that further dragged his team to a 1-6 record, second from the bottom of the standings.

    Still chasing his first-ever winning season in the PBA, Barefield finds himself navigating a familiar frustration, strong personal outings overshadowed by team struggles. 

     

    Yet instead of dwelling solely on the standings, the Fil-Am guard is beginning to widen his horizon. A new opportunity may be emerging in the half-court game.

     

    Barefield has openly expressed his willingness to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3, a program currently undergoing a reset under the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Despite not yet representing the country in either 5-on-5 or 3×3 formats, the guard made it clear he’s ready when called.

     

    “I’m just waiting on an official invite, but I told them that I would love to represent the country with Gilas,” Barefield said. 

     

    Support from his mother ballclub won’t be an issue. Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy reiterated the franchise’s openness to lending players for national duty.

     

    “If it is for the welfare of the country, we’re always open to it. We’ve done that before with coach Pat (Aquino) with the Gilas women’s team and Ever Bilena as one its major backers,” the 29-year-old Shooting Guard said. 

     

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    The timing could work in Barefield’s favor as the Gilas 3×3 program is actively rebuilding after recent setbacks. As it showed promise with a quarterfinal finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup behind Jerrick Ahanmisi, Ralph Cu, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter.

     

    With Ryan Gregorio leading the search for additional talent, the program is looking ahead to the 2026 Asian Games this September in Japan—and further still to the long-term goal of qualifying for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

     

    Gregorio acknowledged that Barefield’s case is intriguing, especially given 3×3 basketball’s more flexible eligibility rules.

     

    “Yeah, I have my (Filipino) passport. No problem (with that),” said Barefield, obviously aware of the 3×3 tournaments’ ‘passport only’ rule when it comes to eligibility.

     

    While the national team door may be opening, Barefield’s immediate focus remains with Blackwater, which is desperate to turn its campaign around. 

     

    The Bossing will look to snap their skid and gain some measure of redemption when they face the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, April 22 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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  • Pat Aquino’s fire signals culture shift as Blackwater searches for breakthrough

    Pat Aquino’s fire signals culture shift as Blackwater searches for breakthrough

    The arrival of Pat Aquino in the PBA isn’t just a coaching change for Blackwater—it’s the beginning of a demanding reset.


    This comes in the wake of Jeffrey Cariaso’s resignation as head coach, prompting the franchise to turn to Aquino in hopes of steering the team in a new direction.

     

    In his first game at the helm during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the Bossing fell short against TNT Tropang 5G, 99-94. But beyond the result, the game offered a glimpse into the identity Aquino is trying to build, one anchored on accountability and relentless effort.

     

    “I don’t know if I’m gonna change or what, but the thing is, I just need them to know how I feel about the game,” said Aquino, staying true to the passionate sideline presence that defined his successful stints in the collegiate ranks with National University and the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s program.

     

    That same fire was evident throughout Tuesday’s contest, where Blackwater showed more fight compared to its previous outings. 

     

    While the team still couldn’t close out down the stretch, the tighter margin was a step forward from a crushing 56-point loss to Rain or Shine and another narrow defeat prior.

     

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    Against TNT, the Bossing found themselves battling a potent duo in Calvin Oftana and import Bol Bol, who erupted for 46 points to steer his squad to victory. Still, Blackwater’s resistance hinted at early buy-in from players adjusting to their new coach’s system.

     

    For Aquino, the transition to the professional ranks has been eye-opening.

     

    “Hirap pala mag-coach sa PBA. It’s so hard. I mean, a lot more adjustments to go. I know we fell short, but may little changes–I think you saw naman, may konting pagbabago, but we need more of that,” the 54-year-old admitted.

     

    Now sitting near the bottom of the standings with a three-game skid, Blackwater is navigating both growing pains and growing expectations. Aquino, however, is embracing the process alongside his players.

     

    “As I’ve told them before, I’m gonna work, and you’re gonna work. And, I’m a winner, you should be winners. I think they’re getting it. Hopefully, they get used to it, all the shouting that I’ve been doing and everything,” he said.

     

    The challenge now is translating that mindset into wins.

     

    Aquino and Blackwater gets another chance to reset on April 17 when they face Phoenix Super LPG at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

     

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  • Pat Aquino begins new chapter with Blackwater in tough TNT debut

    Pat Aquino begins new chapter with Blackwater in tough TNT debut

    Pat Aquino isn’t easing into his next chapter. Two weeks removed from the end of his 12-year tenure with Gilas Pilipinas Women, the veteran coach finds himself back where the stakes are immediate and the margins are thin—this time in the PBA, tasked with reshaping one of the league’s most struggling franchises.

     

    On Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Aquino officially begins his Blackwater tenure. And fittingly, there’s no soft landing. Waiting on the other side is a loaded TNT squad, headlined by towering import Bol Bol, in a 7:30 p.m. matchup that doubles as both debut and reality check.

     

    The transition is stark, but the mission feels familiar. Aquino built his reputation not on quick fixes, but on long-term vision. With Gilas Women, he helped lay the foundation for a program that is only now beginning to fully reap the rewards of years of discipline and identity-building. That same blueprint is what Blackwater hopes he can replicate.

     

    Because what Aquino inherits is far from stable.The Bossing sit at 1-4 in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, a record that reflects deeper issues than just wins and losses. For a franchise that has rarely broken through into serious contention, the challenge isn’t just climbing the standings—it’s changing the culture.

     

    And that’s exactly why team owner Dioceldo Sy made the move. Aquino isn’t selling instant success. Instead, he’s leaning into what he knows best: process, patience, and accountability. The focus, at least for now, is stripped down to its core—compete every possession, fight for every rebound, stay in the game for 48 minutes.

     

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    “We’ll compete and that’s where it starts.”

     

    It’s a simple message. But against TNT, it will be tested immediately. The Tropang 5G come in at 3-2, already knocking on the door of the Top Four. Their wins over NLEX, San Miguel, and Terrafirma showcased a team capable of controlling games, while narrow losses to Rain or Shine and Meralco suggest a group still refining its consistency.

     

    In contrast, Blackwater’s season has been defined by missed opportunities and uneven performances.

     

    Their lone bright spot came in a 97-91 win over Magnolia, but losses to NLEX, Terrafirma, Rain or Shine, and Titan Ultra have highlighted the gaps Aquino now has to address. The pieces are there—Sedrick Barefield’s scoring, Dolph Panopio’s playmaking, Christian David’s versatility, Abu Tratter’s presence inside, and import Robert Upshaw III anchoring the middle—but cohesion remains a work in progress.

     

    That’s where Aquino’s influence begins.

     

    Not in the box score, not in the standings, but in the habits that build over time. In the way a team responds after a run. In the discipline to stick to a system even when the game starts slipping.

     

     

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  • Blackwater appoints Patrick Aquino as interim head coach after Jeffrey Cariaso’s exit

    Blackwater appoints Patrick Aquino as interim head coach after Jeffrey Cariaso’s exit

    The Blackwater Bossing are in the midst of yet another difficult campaign in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, as the franchise continues to struggle for consistency and results. Through their first five outings, the Bossing have managed just a single victory, leaving them languishing in 11th place in the standings and facing an uphill climb toward playoff contention.

     

    Their already challenging situation took a significant turn over the weekend with the departure of head coach Jeffrey Cariaso. Initially reported as a resignation, the move effectively ends Cariaso’s stint with the team before the completion of the three-year contract he signed in April 2023. The development adds another layer of uncertainty to a squad still trying to find its identity midway through the conference.

     

    In response, Blackwater management moved quickly to stabilize the team, appointing longtime assistant coach Patrick Aquino as interim head coach. Aquino wasted no time stepping into his new role, conducting his first practice session on Saturday, April 11, with a focus on implementing adjustments and familiarizing the players with his system.

     

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    “Yes it is confirmed I’m being assigned as interim coach. Just want to thank boss Dioceldo Sy for the opportunity. And I hope we can improve something,” Aquino said in a media interaction.

     

    Aquino brings with him a wealth of experience and a decorated coaching résumé. He previously served as a Blackwater assistant from 2014 to 2019 and returned to the role from 2022 until his recent promotion. Beyond the PBA, Aquino is widely respected for his success in the collegiate and international scenes. He guided National University to a remarkable six consecutive UAAP women’s basketball titles from 2014 to 2019 and has been instrumental in the rise of Gilas Pilipinas Women. Under his leadership, the national team captured gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games in 2019, 2021, and 2025, while also earning promotion to Level 1 of the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship—a historic milestone for the program.

    While Aquino begins his interim tenure with a focus on improvement and evaluation, Cariaso addressed the circumstances surrounding his exit, clarifying that the separation was not a unilateral decision.

     

    “Effective today, I conclude my tenure as head coach of Blackwater Bossing, following discussions with management and mutual decision to move in different directions. I would like to clear any speculation that I resigned. I have always believed that the more demanding the path, the greater the responsibility to stay the course. I have always approached my work with that conviction, grounded in competitiveness and character,” he wrote in a post.

     

    “This was one of the most challenging career assignments of my coaching career, and it was met with full commitment and the clear intention to see it through. I stand by the work we put in, the standards we upheld, and the professionalism we maintained throughout.

     

    “My sincere thanks to Boss Dioceldo Sy, Boss Silliman Sy, and the rest of the management for the opportunity and their trust. I leave with respect for the organization and wish the players and the team continued strength and success,” he concluded.

     

    Despite the coaching change, the reality remains stark for Blackwater. With only one win to their name and several teams ahead in the standings, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Still, the remainder of the conference offers Aquino an opportunity to evaluate the roster, instill discipline, and potentially lay the groundwork for future campaigns.

     

    The Bossing will next take the floor against the formidable TNT Tropang Giga on Tuesday, April 14, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The matchup presents a daunting challenge, but also a chance for Blackwater to reset under new leadership and show signs of progress as they attempt to salvage pride in a difficult Commissioner’s Cup run.

     

     

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  • Rain or Shine remains unbeaten as Titan Ultra gains ground in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Rain or Shine remains unbeaten as Titan Ultra gains ground in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Momentum defined Wednesday’s doubleheader in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, as Rain or Shine Elasto Painters preserved winning streak record while Titan Ultra Giant Risers showed signs of life in a tightly contested climb up the standings.


    In the early game, Titan Ultra leaned on a strong closing push to fend off the Blackwater Bossing, 102-98, for its second win in five outings.

     

    A commanding lead slip before Joshua Munzon took over late. The guard delivered 25 points, four rebounds, and four assists, spearheading the decisive finishing run that sealed the win.

     

    “I just wanted to push us. We were up 20 and gave up the lead and fought for the win,” Munzon said.

     

    Earl Gilmore added a dominant 21-point, 15-rebound performance, while Aris Dionisio chipped in 11 points, six boards, and three steals to steady Titan Ultra in crunch time.

     

    Blackwater, now reeling with four losses in five games, leaned on Robert Upshaw III, who finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but the Bossing could not complete their comeback bid.

     

    The win lifted Titan Ultra to a 2-3 record, tying idle Magnolia Hotshots in the standings and giving the squad renewed confidence heading into its next assignment against the Converge FiberXers on April 15 at the Ynares Center. Blackwater will look to halt its skid when it faces the TNT Tropang 5G on April 14 at the same venue.

     

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    In the main game, Rain or Shine once again proved why it sits atop the standings—but not without a scare. As the Elasto Painters tightened its grip on the top spot, surviving a late surge from the San Miguel Beermen to escape with a 116-112 victory and improve to a league-best 5-0. 

     

    After building control for most of the contest, the Elasto Painters had to withstand a fierce fourth-quarter rally from San Miguel. Head coach Yeng Guiao acknowledged the challenge posed by the perennial contenders.

     

    “Hindi ka talaga pwede mag-relax pag San Miguel ang kalaban mo. Nakalusot eh, tignan natin hanggang saan ang swerte,” Guiao said.

     

    Import Jaylen Johnson powered Rain or Shine with 24 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Adrian Nocum delivered a conference-high 21 points, including key baskets that restored order during San Miguel’s late push.

     

    Support came from Felix Lemetti and Jhonard Clarito, who provided crucial contributions on both ends to keep the Beermen at bay.

     

    San Miguel, which saw its two-game winning streak snapped, was led by Marcio Lassiter with 22 points but dropped to a 3-3 record.

     

    Rain or Shine now turns its focus to sustaining its unbeaten run when it takes on Converge on April 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while San Miguel aims to bounce back against Magnolia on April 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • 4-0 Rain or Shine rewrites PBA history in Blackwater rout

    4-0 Rain or Shine rewrites PBA history in Blackwater rout

    Rain or Shine did not just win on Tuesday night—it overwhelmed, outran, and ultimately rewrote the record books with the kind of performance that turns a routine elimination game into a piece of league history.

     

     

    At the center of it was Jaylen Johnson, who returned from suspension and immediately slipped back into the flow of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters machine as if he had never left.

     

    Johnson finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in Rain or Shine’s stunning 151-95 demolition of Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, a result that became far more significant than just another win in the standings.

     

    By the final buzzer at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the Elasto Painters had authored the biggest blowout in the 50-year history of the PBA.

     

    Their 56-point margin shattered the long-standing record of 55, previously set when U-Tex blasted Great Taste, 154-99, in the Open Conference semifinals on July 12, 1980. For a franchise often defined by system, grit, and collective effort rather than spectacle, it was a night where everything clicked so completely that history simply became a byproduct.

     

    When informed afterward that he had just played in a record-breaking game, Johnson could not hide his excitement.

     

    “It’s amazing. I’m glad to be a part of history a little bit, you know,” he said. “I’m glad, I’m happy to be with these guys.”

     

    That reaction matched the mood of a team that has quietly turned itself into the early pace-setter of the conference. At 4-0, Rain or Shine is no longer just one of the pleasant surprises of the tournament. It is becoming the team that everyone else now has to measure themselves against.

     

    And what makes that rise more impressive is that Tuesday’s avalanche was not simply a one-man show.

     

    Yes, Johnson gave the Elasto Painters their usual versatility and frontcourt edge, but the blowout was really built on the same thing that has fueled their unbeaten start—waves of contributors, relentless pace, and a refusal to let opponents breathe for even a few possessions.

     

    Seven other Rain or Shine players scored in double figures, turning the game into a full-team showcase.

     

    Gian Mamuyac added 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Santi Santillan produced a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Adrian Nocum and Anton Asistio chipped in 12 points each, keeping the pressure on Blackwater even after the game had long tilted in Rain or Shine’s favor.

     

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    What made the rout even more striking was how deep into the roster the dominance extended. With the game already under control, Rain or Shine’s younger and lesser-used players took advantage of the extra floor time and kept the standard high. Deo Cuajao delivered 15 points in a rare start, while Jun Roque flirted with a double-double after finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

     

    That kind of across-the-board production is exactly what has made Rain or Shine so dangerous early in the conference. They are not just winning—they are winning in a way that allows different players to matter, different lineups to thrive, and different problems to emerge for opponents.

     

    For head coach Yeng Guiao, the strategy against Blackwater began with finding a way to neutralize the one mismatch that could have complicated things: Bossing import Rob Upshaw.

     

    “We have no answer for their import … so we just tried to turn his advantage into a liability, so ‘yun ang tingin naming pinakamagandang paraan para manalo,” offered Guiao, when asked about their ploy.

     

    Whatever the exact tactical blueprint was, it worked to devastating effect. Upshaw still managed 24 points and nine rebounds, but Blackwater never found enough rhythm around him to make the game remotely competitive. RK Ilagan scored 14 points, while Sedrick Barefield added 12, but they were the only other Bossing players to reach double figures in a night that quickly spiraled away from them.

     

    The loss dropped Blackwater to 1-3, wiping away much of the momentum it had built from its upset of Magnolia Hotshots in its previous outing. If that win suggested the Bossing might be capable of stirring trouble in the conference, this defeat was a harsh reminder of how unforgiving the gap can still be between flashes of promise and sustained competitiveness.

     

    For Rain or Shine, though, the bigger picture only keeps improving. What started as a solid opening stretch is now beginning to feel like something more serious. The Elasto Painters have won four straight, they own the league’s best record, and they now carry the confidence of a team that just authored the most lopsided win the PBA has ever seen.

     

    Their next test will come on April 8 against San Miguel Beermen, a matchup that should offer a much clearer picture of whether this blazing start is simply hot form—or the early shape of a true contender.

     

    For now, though, Rain or Shine has already done something no other team in 50 years could say it did. It turned one ordinary night in the eliminations into history.

     

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  • Meralco marks milestone win as Terrafirma builds early momentum in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Meralco marks milestone win as Terrafirma builds early momentum in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The spotlight at the Ynares Center on Wednesday became a night of statements and emerging storylines in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.


    For the Meralco Bolts, the evening doubled as both a strong season debut and a historic moment. Behind a commanding 109-88 victory over the Converge FiberXers, the Bolts not only showcased their depth but also reached a significant franchise milestone.

     

    Import Marvin Jones wasted no time making his presence felt, erupting for 29 points in an impressive first outing. His performance set the tone, but it was far from a one-man show. CJ Cansino delivered near-flawless shooting, finishing 8-of-9 from the field, including a perfect clip from four-point range—to tally 23 points and eight assists. 

     

    Meanwhile, veteran Chris Newsome added 19 points, anchoring the decisive fourth-quarter push that shut the door on Converge.

     

    The win carried added weight. Based on league statistician Fidel Mangonon III, it marked Meralco’s 300th victory as a franchise, placing the MVP Group-backed squad among the league’s most accomplished active teams.

     

    On the other side, Converge continues to search for rhythm early in the conference. The absence of Juan Gomez de Liano due to a knee injury loomed large, especially for a team still awaiting the debut of Calvin Abueva.

     

    Alec Stockton led the FiberXers with 18 points, while Justin Arana posted a double-double effort of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Import Kylor Kelley and Justine Baltazar also delivered inside presence, but the team fell to 1-2, still searching for cohesion.

     

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    If Meralco celebrated history, Terrafirma Dyip continued crafting a promising present.

     

    Riding the momentum of a breakout performance in their previous game, Mubashar Ali once again anchored Terrafirma’s charge, finishing with a dominant 22-point, 23-rebound outing to power a 99-88 win over the Blackwater Bossing. His consistent production is quickly turning into one of the early tournament’s most compelling narratives.

     

    Support came in waves. Paolo Hernandez contributed 20 points in a Player of the Game performance, while Jerrick Ahanmisi added 18, highlighted by two four-point shots that helped keep Blackwater at bay.

     

    Blackwater, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Sedrick Barefield, who poured in 25 points. However, the limited mobility of import Daniel Ochefu, playing through a hyperextended knee restricted their interior presence, contributing to their second straight loss.

     

    Looking ahead, the Meralco Bolts will have over a week to regroup before facing the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on March 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Converge FiberXers, meanwhile, face a tough test against the San Miguel Beermen on March 25, returning to the same Antipolo venue.

     

    The Blackwater Bossing aim to bounce back on Sunday against the Magnolia Hotshots, with the possible debut of import Robert Upshaw depending on Ochefu’s condition. Meanwhile, Terrafirma Dyip will try to sustain their surge when they take on the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, coached by Charles Tiu, on March 25 in Antipolo.

     

     

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  • Magnolia, Phoenix seek fresh start in Commissioner’s Cup; Blackwater, NLEX clash in early test

    Magnolia, Phoenix seek fresh start in Commissioner’s Cup; Blackwater, NLEX clash in early test

    Two teams looking to rewrite their recent fortunes collide when the Magnolia Hotshots and the Phoenix Fuel Masters open their campaigns in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Magnolia enters the 7:30 p.m. main game eager to bounce back after falling short of the semifinals in the Philippine Cup. The Hotshots finished sixth in the eliminations before being eliminated by the TNT Tropang 5G, 118-109, in the quarterfinals—marking a disappointing end to their first conference under head coach LA Tenorio.

     

    Meanwhile, Phoenix hopes to quickly move past a difficult All-Filipino campaign where the Fuel Masters finished 10th with a 3-8 record.

     

    Both squads will lean heavily on their imports in the early going. Magnolia is banking on the inside presence of Terrell Brown-Soares, a 6-foot-10 big man known for his rim protection and rebounding, along with a perimeter touch that has impressed in stints across Europe.

     

    The Fuel Masters counter with their own interior anchor in James Dickey, another 6-foot-10 veteran who has built a strong international résumé with stops in Germany, Israel, and Indonesia after a decorated college career at UNC Greensboro. Dickey left the Spartans as the school’s all-time leader in rebounds with 1,060 while ranking second in blocks with 222.

     

    Phoenix is also ushering in a new era with Charles Tiu making his debut as a PBA head coach. Tiu, who previously won championships in the NCAA and the Jones Cup, will look to guide a roster featuring familiar names such as Jason Perkins, Kai Ballungay, Tyler Tio, Ken Tuffin, Ricci Rivero, and Evan Nelle.

     

     

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    Also joining the team is rookie Will Gozum, the eighth overall pick in the Season 50 draft and a former cornerstone player under Tiu during their championship run with St. Benilde.

     

    Earlier in the evening, the Blackwater Bossing and the NLEX Road Warriors square off in the 5:15 p.m. curtain raiser.

     

    Blackwater will lean on high-scoring guard Sedrick Barefield, who averaged 19.2 points per game in the previous conference to finish among the league’s top scorers.

     

    Across the floor, NLEX will turn to its floor general Robert Bolick, who led the league in assists last conference while also serving as the Road Warriors’ offensive engine. Bolick has repeatedly shown his ability to take over games, including a 20-point outing that powered NLEX to a win over Blackwater in a previous meeting.

     

    Supporting Bolick are key contributors such as Kevin Alas and JB Bahio, whose balanced production has helped NLEX maintain a competitive edge in recent matchups against the Bossing.

     

    With both games marking the start of new campaigns, the opening night matchups offer four teams a chance to quickly set the tone for what promises to be a tightly contested Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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  • “Still the same kind of game style”: Blackwater Bossing import Daniel Ochefu on PBA comeback

    “Still the same kind of game style”: Blackwater Bossing import Daniel Ochefu on PBA comeback

    The Blackwater Bossing have pulled off a noteworthy acquisition in their bid to climb up the standings in the upcoming 2025–26 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, securing former National Basketball Association (NBA) big man Daniel Ochefu as their import for the mid‑season conference.

     

    At 6‑foot‑11 and 32 years old, Ochefu brings a rare blend of size, experience and athleticism to the Bossing roster. While Blackwater has struggled for consistency in recent seasons, the addition of a seasoned international big man signals the franchise’s intent to be more competitive in the import‑laden portion of the PBA schedule.

     

    Ochefu is no stranger to Philippine basketball circles. He first drew local attention when he suited up for the TNT Tropang Giga as a late replacement import during the 2023 East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions Week in Japan. Though flashes of his physicality and skill were evident, the Tropang Giga ultimately fell short of a Final Four berth in that outing.

     

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    His familiarity with Philippine hoops goes back even further. Ochefu was originally tapped by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters under then‑coach Chris Gavina as their import for the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup, but he was released before the tournament began when coaching philosophies shifted under new head coach Yeng Guiao. That experience underscored just how much a coach’s system can influence import decisions in the PBA.

    Now back on Philippine shores and eager to make his mark, the Baltimore‑native has expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Blackwater’s campaign. “I have been here for like a week, so I’m getting to learn all the players, everybody’s getting to learn me, so it’s been cool so far,” Ochefu said in a media interaction, highlighting the adjustment process and his growing comfort within the team setup.

     

    Reflecting on his past PBA experience, he added, “I think that was a little different because I had another import playing with me at the same time. But it’s still the same kind of game style and stuff like that.”

     

    Ochefu’s professional journey is a testament to perseverance. After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, he earned a spot with the Washington Wizards through the Las Vegas Summer League and made his NBA debut during the 2016–17 season. Although his time in the league was limited — including a brief stint with the Wizards — the experience of competing at the sport’s highest level has informed his journey across global leagues.

     

    Since leaving the NBA, Ochefu has built a true international résumé, showcasing his talents across multiple countries and competitive environments. His professional stops have included spells in Spain, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Lebanon, Venezuela, Taiwan, Mongolia and Syria — experience that he now brings to Blackwater as the Bossing prepare for one of the most important stretches of their season.

     

    With no height restrictions in place for the Commissioner’s Cup, teams are increasingly turning to big, physical imports to bolster their inside presence, and Blackwater’s decision to tap Ochefu reflects that trend.

     

    As the Bossing gear up for their mid‑season campaign, all eyes will be on how Ochefu’s blend of NBA pedigree, international experience and physical dominance translates into results on the court. For a franchise eager to rise out of the lower rungs of the standings, his performance could be a defining factor in their quest for respectability in the season’s next chapter. 

     

     

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