ELITE LOOKING FORWARD TO GOVS CUP, EYE NATIONAL PLAYER FROM MIDDLE EAST
What a difference a conference makes.
Back in the Philippine Cup, Blackwater was saddled at the bottom of the standings with not a single win to show.
This time, though defeated yet again, the Elite can hold their heads high knowing that fighting tooth and nail with the league’s best allowed them to snatch three wins, with victories over high-caliber teams San Miguel and Meralco, as well as the dangerous Kia squad.
“We just wanted to end the second conference on a high note,” said coach Leo Isaac after Blackwater drubbed Meralco on Wednesday. “Maybe we can have a fresh start and a new level of confidence going to the third conference.”
Convinced to put up a better showing conference after conference, Blackwater already started its wheels rolling before the Commissioner’s Cup ended with the acquisition of former D-League player Reil Cervantes in exchange for Alex Nuyles.
“For this game, mukhang we had a good deal,” Isaac said of the trade. “(Cervantes) played for us in the D-League. When he practiced yesterday, there was this welcome song which was tendered by his former teammates. Di na sya iba at di na sya nangangapa. He’s an underrated player for a long time and maybe, playing for Blackwater will help him blossom as a real star.”
Looking forward to the Governors’ Cup, Isaac said that management will still convene on Friday to lay down plans for the third conference.
“At the moment, wala pang decision but the management will meet with the coaches on Friday, so hopefully by Friday afternoon, may decision na on who we will tap as our import for the third conference.”
Finishing at the bottom of the standings in the first two conferences, Blackwater will have no height restrictions for their import in the Governors’ Cup. And there is also the option of signing up an Asian reinforcement for the upcoming conference.
Isaac hinted that the Elite are already looking at a possible Asian import, saying, “May prospect na of tapping an Asian import. May nakita kaming player from the Middle East na maganda lumaro. Bagong pangalan sya,” while also adding that the possible reinforcement already suited up for his own national team.
With regards to Marcus Douthit’s status, Isaac said that though management still has to decide if they will bring the naturalized player back in their fold, the Commissioner’s Cup stint already showed a lot of promise.
“We’re expecting more from him and we still feel na di pa sya 100 percent. I believe he can give some more to the efforts of Blackwater,” said Isaac. (RL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
