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Tag: Sedrick Barefield

  • Sedrick Barefield edges closer to Gilas dream with Asian Games pool inclusion 

    Sedrick Barefield edges closer to Gilas dream with Asian Games pool inclusion 

    For years, wearing a Gilas Pilipinas jersey remained out of reach for Sedrick Barefield despite his Filipino roots.

     

    Now, the Blackwater star is closer than ever to turning that childhood dream into reality.

     

    Barefield has been named to the 30-man Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 2026 Asian Games, giving him a legitimate opportunity to represent the Philippines for the first time in international competition.

     

    Unlike FIBA tournaments, where Barefield is ineligible to suit up as a local player, the Asian Games follows a different set of eligibility rules that only require athletes to hold a Philippine passport.

     

    That distinction suddenly places the explosive guard firmly in contention as Gilas prepares to defend the historic gold medal it captured in Hangzhou two years ago.

     

    The Fil-Am guard admitted the news caught him by surprise but quickly became one of the biggest moments of his basketball career.

     

    “I was really excited. It got sent to me early in the morning.”

     

    Barefield told reporters.

     

    “It’s something that, as a kid, you always dream about. I’ve been aware of it since I was young, so I’m just excited. I’m praying for the best.”

     

    His inclusion comes alongside Meralco big man Brandon Bates as among the fresh faces added to the expanded national team pool ahead of the September tournament in Japan.

     

    While making the preliminary list is only the first step, Barefield understands the opportunity that now lies in front of him.

     

    Rather than looking too far ahead, he plans to focus on proving himself if given the chance to train with some of the country’s best players under Gilas.

     

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    “I’m not sure what’s going to happen from here, but I’m praying for the best,”

     

    he said.

     

    “I’m going to give it my all day in and day out. I’m going to soak up as much as I can from the players around me and use it as an opportunity to grow and learn.”

     

    Barefield also backed up his growing reputation on the court just hours after the announcement.

     

    The high-scoring guard erupted for 26 points to lead Blackwater past Phoenix, 106-100, in the opening game of the second round of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, further strengthening his case as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons.

     

    Should Barefield survive the final cut, he would become one of the key backcourt options for a Gilas squad aiming to defend the Asian Games championship it famously won in 2023 under coach Tim Cone.

     

    For Barefield, however, the objective extends beyond simply making the roster.

     

    “You want to walk away with a medal, a gold medal. Hopefully we can bring that home,” Barefield added on Gilas’ Asian Games mindset.

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield fuels Blackwater’s revenge bid, powers Bossing past Phoenix

    Sedrick Barefield fuels Blackwater’s revenge bid, powers Bossing past Phoenix

    After ending the opening round of the PBA Governor’s Cup with a frustrating 93-102 defeat to the Fuel Masters, the Bossing made sure history would not repeat itself. 


    They turned the tables on Wednesday night, using a dominant fourth-quarter finish to pull away for a 106-100 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and breathe new life into their campaign.

     

    The win carried extra weight for Blackwater, which had dropped three straight games to close out the first round and entered the second phase of Group B competition needing a momentum-shifting performance.

     

    Sedrick Barefield made certain his second meeting with Phoenix would be remembered for different reasons.

     

    The sophomore guard, who was limited to just 10 points on 5-of-19 shooting in their previous encounter, erupted for 26 points this time. Eleven of those came in the final period as Blackwater unleashed a decisive 29-14 closing run that erased Phoenix’s hopes of completing another victory over the Bossing.

     

    “I feel like I had some of my best games against Phoenix so not having a great game against them last time kind of put a bad taste in the mouth,’’ Barefield said.

     

    His late-game takeover reflected the urgency inside the Blackwater locker room.

     

    “We knew today was important, if we lost, it would become tough for us going forward. It was do or die for us so that set the tone,” the sophomore guard said.

     

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    While Barefield delivered the finishing blows, import Kentrell Barkley provided the steady production that kept the Bossing within striking distance throughout the contest. Barkley powered Blackwater with 34 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists, while RK Ilagan chipped in 15 points and six rebounds.

     

    Head coach Pat Aquino praised Barefield’s growing influence after another clutch performance.

    “I love what Sed has been doing. He is becoming the leader of the team. He took over,” Aquino said.

     

    Phoenix, meanwhile, leaned heavily on import BJ Johnson, who exploded for a game-high 45 points in a losing effort. Ricci Rivero added 15 points, while Kai Ballungay finished with 12 as the Fuel Masters were unable to hold off Blackwater’s late surge.

     

    Despite the setback, Phoenix remained tied with Rain or Shine atop Group B with a 4-2 win-loss record.

     

    For Blackwater, the victory was more than just revenge. Improving to 3-3, the Bossing halted their three-game slide and put themselves back in the hunt as the second round gets underway.

     

    Blackwater will try to build on its renewed momentum when it takes on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, August 9, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield dreams of Gilas call-up after making Asian Games shortlist

    Sedrick Barefield dreams of Gilas call-up after making Asian Games shortlist

    Blackwater Bossing guard Sedrick Barefield admitted that representing the Philippines on the international stage would be a dream come true after being included in the initial pool of players being considered for the men’s national basketball team for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) recently announced the first list of candidates for Gilas Pilipinas, with Barefield among the 30 players named as part of the preliminary pool. The versatile guard, however, revealed that he only learned about his inclusion after SBP executive director Erika Dy mentioned his name during her appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, July 28.

     

    Barefield welcomed the development, saying the chance to represent the country in a major international competition would be a significant milestone in his career.

     

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    “I’m hoping that it’s a possibility. It will be a dream come true, just to go out there and compete with those guys representing the country. It would mean the world, it would mean everything. That’s high-level basketball that you always want to be a part of, that you dream of being a part of,” Barefield told reporters.

     

    The 29-year-old guard has been one of the most consistent performers for the Blackwater Bossing since joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), using his versatility, shooting ability, and playmaking skills to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

     

    Although Barefield has Filipino heritage, he is currently unable to suit up as a local player for Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA-sanctioned competitions because of eligibility requirements. However, the 2026 Asian Games follow different rules, with athletes only required to hold a Philippine passport to be eligible to compete.

    That distinction opens the door for Barefield to potentially make his national team debut in Nagoya, giving him the opportunity to share the court with some of the country’s top basketball talents while representing the Philippines on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.

     

    Barefield’s basketball journey has taken him across different levels and countries, building a résumé that includes experiences in some of the world’s competitive basketball leagues. Born to a Filipino mother and American father, he developed his game in California before making the jump toward professional basketball.

     

    After completing high school in California, Barefield declared for the 2019 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft but went undrafted. Despite missing out on being selected, he earned an opportunity to showcase his talent by signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the NBA Summer League.

     

    He later continued his development with the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s NBA G League affiliate, gaining valuable experience against high-level competition.

     

    Since then, Barefield has built a reputation as a well-traveled professional, playing in various leagues across the globe. His career has included stints in Lithuania, Greece, Taiwan, and Guinea before eventually making his way to the PBA, where he has become one of Blackwater’s key contributors.

     

    His international experience and ability to adapt to different basketball systems could make him an attractive option for the national team setup as SBP continues evaluating players ahead of the Asian Games.

     

    While his inclusion in the initial pool does not guarantee a spot on the final roster, Barefield remains hopeful that he will get the opportunity to wear the Philippine colors and compete alongside Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    For a player who has spent years chasing opportunities around the world, a place on the national team would represent another defining chapter in his basketball journey—one that allows him to give back by representing the country on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield keeps eyes on Blackwater’s reset amid trade speculation 

    Sedrick Barefield keeps eyes on Blackwater’s reset amid trade speculation 

    For Sedrick Barefield, the start of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup represents more than another conference—it is another opportunity to help Blackwater move forward after a disappointing finish, regardless of the offseason speculation surrounding his future.


    While his name has surfaced in trade discussions over the past few months, the Fil-Am guard has made it clear that his attention remains on the only thing he can influence: preparing the Bossing for a fresh campaign.

     

    “I’m pretty locked in. There’s a lot of rumors and a lot of things going around, and I’m just trying to stay focused on what I can control, which is going on the court and being there for my teammates,” Barefield said.

     

    The trade chatter has persisted throughout the offseason, with Barfield’s agent previously revealing that several PBA teams have expressed interest in acquiring the high-scoring guard. 

     

    Despite the interest, no deal has materialized. Barefield remains with the Bossing after signing a contract extension that allows Blackwater to retain his rights while evaluating possible trade scenarios.

     

    As long as he stays in Blackwater, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick is expected to remain a key piece of the team’s offense after a breakout Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

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    The Fil-Am guard averaged 21.1 points while also contributing 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

     

    His individual production, however, wasn’t enough to lift Blackwater into contention.

     

    The Bossing finished with a 2-10 record, missing the playoffs for the ninth straight conference, leaving the franchise still searching for a turnaround after another difficult campaign.

     

    Now, Blackwater hopes the arrival of a new import can help change its fortunes as the team brought in Kentrell Barkley, who impressed during his stint with Kesatria Bengawan Solo in the Indonesian Basketball League, to reinforce the roster heading into the Governors’ Cup.

    Barefield has liked what he has seen during their early time together.

     

    “He’s easy to play with. He likes to play the right way and the smart way. He can score the ball and rebound. He’s multi-dimensional, so he’s been phenomenal so far.”

     

    As Blackwater prepares for its season opener against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday, July 11, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, Barefield’s focus remains unchanged. 

     

    Trade rumors may continue to circulate, but the guard is placing his energy on helping the Bossing translate individual talent into the team success that has long eluded the franchise.

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield to stay with Blackwater Bossing after trade talks stall

    Sedrick Barefield to stay with Blackwater Bossing after trade talks stall

    Filipino-American guard Sedrick Barefield appears set to remain with Blackwater Bossing for the remainder of the ongoing PBA season after uncertainty surrounding his future ultimately failed to result in a trade.

     

    Barefield had recently emerged as one of the most talked-about names on the PBA trade market after it became known that Blackwater management was entertaining offers for the versatile backcourt player. Several teams reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the 29-year-old, whose ability to score, create offense, and defend multiple positions made him an attractive trade target.

     

    Despite the level of interest, however, Blackwater was unable to find a proposal that met the organization’s expectations.

     

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    As a result, Barefield’s contract has been automatically extended through the end of the current PBA season, allowing the Bossing to retain his services after no trade agreement materialized.

     

    The guard’s original contract was scheduled to expire on July 15. Under PBA rules, player contracts that are due to lapse before the conclusion of the season may be extended until the season ends by mutual consent between the player and the team. The provision ensures roster continuity while protecting the rights of both parties during an active campaign.

     

    Rey Punongbayan, Barefield’s representative, confirmed on Thursday, July 2, that his client had agreed to the extension, ensuring that Blackwater would continue to hold his playing rights for the remainder of the season.

     

    While speculation surrounding Barefield’s future intensified over the past several weeks, Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy revealed that the franchise ultimately chose to stand pat after receiving offers that failed to provide sufficient value in return.

    “No good deals. We decided to stay as a team,” Sy said.

     

    Head coach Pat Aquino echoed that sentiment, indicating that management had decided against making any roster changes despite the team’s disappointing campaign.

     

    “Status quo. We will not move anybody as per Boss Dio.”

     

    The decision signals Blackwater’s commitment to keeping its core intact as it looks to bounce back from a difficult showing in the previous PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The Bossing struggled throughout the tournament and finished at the bottom of the standings with a 2-10 win-loss record, falling short of playoff contention and prompting questions about the direction of the franchise.

     

    Rather than reshuffle the roster midway through the year, Blackwater appears determined to give its current group another opportunity to improve, with Barefield expected to remain a central figure in the team’s plans.

     

    Since arriving in the PBA in 2024, Barefield has established himself as one of Blackwater’s primary offensive weapons. His combination of athleticism, shot creation, and perimeter scoring has made him a key contributor, while his experience playing in multiple international leagues has added valuable maturity to the Bossing backcourt.

     

    Barefield’s basketball journey has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, he began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League before embarking on an international career that took him across several competitive basketball markets.

     

    The former Utah and Central Florida standout has suited up for clubs in Lithuania, Greece, and Taiwan, gaining experience against a variety of playing styles before joining the Bay Area Dragons in the East Asia Super League. His performances overseas eventually paved the way for his move to the PBA, where Blackwater secured his services ahead of the 2024 season.

     

    Although trade rumors may have dominated the headlines in recent weeks, Barefield’s immediate future now appears settled. With management opting against making a deal and the team choosing continuity over change, the Filipino-American guard is expected to continue leading Blackwater as the Bossing attempt to turn their fortunes around in the remainder of the season.

     

     

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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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