His length and hustle will definitely help.
The Blackwater Bossing are at the bottom of the standings of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a lowly 1-7 slate.
While they're tied in the cellar with the Converge FiberXers, the plummet of the Bossing are arguably worse. The last time they won, KathNiel’s breakup was yet to be confirmed.
Put simply, coach Jeff Cariaso needs all the help he can get right now. Blackwater finished with a 1-10 record in the last PBA Governors’ Cup. The team must be desperate not to end up with the same facepalm-inducing record for the second straight conference.
On Tuesday, the struggling squad may have gotten a much-needed shot in the arm with the signing of 6-foot-7 rookie Clifford Jopia.
Jopia is coming off a championship with the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA. He averaged 7.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in their three-game finals series against the Mapua Cardinals. Undeniably, he was a vital piece, as the Red Lions won it all for the first time since 2018.
San Beda coach Yuri Escueta couldn’t be more excited for his ward, who’s now officially a PBA cager. He posted on his Instagram Story a photo of Jopia's contract signing to express his elation.
“Keep working! Proud of you, Clip!,” Escueta wrote.
ALSO READ: Why Blackwater will become contender 'very soon,' according to Tim Cone
Jopia was drafted by Blackwater as the 26th overall pick in the PBA Season 48 Draft last September.
He could make his PBA debut this Friday when the Bossing take on the NLEX Road Warriors.
(PM)