The two franchises, still in search of their first semifinal appearances in the PBA, are hoping the coming rookie draft will provide a boost to their chances.
(Editor’s note: This article has been updated after the Terrafirma Dyip swapped picks with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Saturday.)
In Sunday’s PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft, it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Converge FiberXers will use the top pick on talented center Justine Baltazar.
But what about the second pick, which is owned by the Blackwater Bossing? Another team that could use new talent is the Terrafirma Dyip, who recently traded Isaac Go, Stephen Holt and the third overall pick to Barangay Ginebra for Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle and the tenth pick.
Both the Bossing and Dyip had forgettable Commissioner’s Cup campaigns, finishing with one win and two wins, respectively. They improved slightly in the Philippine Cup with respective records of 4-7 and 5-6, with the Dyip making it to the quarterfinals and winning a game against the San Miguel Beermen.
Now, armed with these picks in a top-heavy draft, the two franchises are looking to load up as they continue their quest for a first-ever semifinal appearance.
Blackwater Bossing: looking for a court general
The Bossing are looking at the PBA Rookie Draft to improve their playmaking, according to coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
“To be honest, one of our biggest needs is a point guard,” the coach told The GAME. We’re looking at players who can play the point in the PBA and have the skills of a two (shooting) guard. We’re looking there.”
“What we love about this year’s draft is we feel like it’s deeper than it was last year. There’s a few names that you have to really consider and really look at. At the end of the day, we feel like we’re going to lean towards what we need the most. That will be the deciding factor on who we choose.”
When asked about specific players, Cariaso was straightforward.
“It’s not even a secret. You have to look at RJ Abarrientos. You have to look at (Sedrick) Barefield. Dave Ildefonso. He’s going to be a superstar in our league. Then there’s a couple point guards after that like (Evan) Nelle that we feel like is good. There’s a lot of Fil-Ams who are guards.”
Cariaso also made it clear that they are keeping the pick.
“Actually, there’s been a few conversations about if we are willing to or can we explore moving it. We’ve shut it down right away because I think it’s an important pick for us. There’s very few if not maybe one or two that we would consider moving it. But to be honest with you, that pick is important for us and we want to keep it.”
The Bossing’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign was a disaster as they lost 10 straight games after winning their opener. In the Philippine Cup, they were right there in a few games and were close to barging into the playoffs.
“The All-Filipino was to me a very good one. We won four games but we should have won three more. We lost two games in the last second. We’re still far, we’re still looking to build.
“We have a lot of young guys who we’re relying on and needs more experience. The grind is on for us and we’re really taking it on headstrong and just trying to stay positive and trying to be better as we move forward.”
The Bossing, according to Cariaso, are also close to coming to terms with forward Troy Rosario.
“ He’s close to coming up with a deal. So we have been very active in making sure that we re-sign him. And we hope to do that soon.”
Terrafirma Dyip: best available will do
Meanwhile, the Dyip are going in another direction. Rather than picking a player to address a specific need, coach John Cardel said they will use their pick on the best available player regardless of position.
“Of course, best talent tayo,” Cardel told The GAME. “Marami naman nagpa-draft na best talent ngayon. Barefield, (Caelum) Tiongson, (Kai) Ballungay. So, we’ll see kung sino na aabot sa amin. Pero, after this, pag-usapan namin kung sino talaga na best para sa team.”
Cardel reasoned out that they have a lot of needs anyway, so whoever player they pick will likely fill a void.
“Kasi sa amin naman, marami kaming kulang. So, maybe like big man or a wing who can play 4 and 5 or 3 and 4. So, doon kami sa agile na talent. With (Stephen) Holt and Juami (Tiongson), makakatulong sa kanila. Para lumalim lalo ang bench namin.”
The Dyip lost sharpshooter Javi Gomez de Liaño to Korea, but Cardel isn’t too worried because they will get Kevin Ferrer back.
“Then, we have an import naman (in the season-opening Governors’ Cup). For now, matatakpan namin ang pagkawala ni Javi.”
Banner Image courtesy of the PBA Media Bureau.
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