He was all over the court.
As far as coach Jeff Cariaso is concerned, Blackwater Bossing import Chris Ortiz lived up to his expectations.
Cariaso, who replaced Ariel Vanguardia as Blackwater's chief tactician back in April, said this in the aftermath of the Bossing’s convincing 103-84 win over Converge FiberXers in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup opener on Wednesday.
“I’ve always imagined Chris Ortiz playing the way he did tonight, him being just versatile,” Cariaso said after the match at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The 30-year-old Puerto Rican was all over the court, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks in the win, which also saw the debut of highly touted rookie Christian David, who fully believes he can help turn around the Bossing's fortunes.
Cariaso went on to praise his prized import, who averaged a little over seven points and two rebounds for Puerto Rico in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
“I’ve never had an import as versatile as he is. He can score, [he has the] ability to stretch you out,” he said.
Ortiz, though, fired blanks from the three-point area in seven tries. Still, Cariaso and company seem please with his overall performance.
“It’s my first import to have that kind of skills. We’re happy with his performance,” he said.
The Puerto Rican reinforcement will get to show off that versatility once again on Saturday, November 11, takes on the Meralco Bolts at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
(MDB)