Things are looking up for Blackwater after drafting coveted playmaker Sedrick Barefield as the second overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14.
As far as skills are concerned, there is no doubt Sedrick Barefield could help prop up Blackwater’s sagging fortunes in the PBA.
The 6-foot-2 Barefield, who suited up for Bay Area Dragons and Taipei Fubon Braves, can pretty much do everything on both ends of the floor.
That is why Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso did not hesitate to use the second overall pick in the recent draft to tap what they see as a “game-changer.”
“Barefield is someone we’ve been looking at since Day 1. We’re happy that he applied for the draft because we know he’s going to be a game-changer,” Cariaso told reporters at the Glorietta 4 Activity Center on Sunday, July 14.
[ALSO READ: Justine Baltazar set to fulfill Pampanga duties in MPBL before taking his act to Converge in PBA]
While it was a no-brainer of a choice, Cariaso and his staff still did some due diligence on the 27-year old cager from Corona, California.
Barefield still ticked all the boxes.
“We did a lot of homework in regard to talking to people around him, with other teams he played for,” said Cariaso.
“We found out nothing but good things: Hardworker, coachable, good locker room guy. The court stuff is something undeniable.”
[ALSO READ: PBA Draft: Ginebra uses third pick acquired from Terrafirma to select RJ Abarrientos]
Unfortunately, Barefield is still in California right now. He even missed the Draft Combine and the draft proper.
Cariaso said they are expecting the Utah Utes product to come on board this week as the Bossing’s preparations for the upcoming season intensifies.
“We asked him to come this week. Pakiusap niya is late this weekend, next weekend. I’m pushing him to come no later than maybe Thursday or Friday,” said Cariaso.
“Still have time. When he gets here, we have a little over two weeks to prepare.”
Is he the missing piece for the team that went 5-17 in Season 48? Cariaso hopes so.
“We feel like he gives us not just one but two steps forward. That’s how good he is,” said the Fil-Am tactician. “We feel like him coming on board will boost what we’re building. We’re looking forward to having him.”