Blackwater has George King to thank in its turnaround in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
There’s more to Blackwater George King than his scoring prowess.
This was what Bossing coach Jeff Cariaso said after King steered the team to a third straight win, the latest at the expense of NLEX, 110-99, in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Friday, Sept. 6.
In his first three games in the PBA, the 30-year-old import averaged 38.7 points and 15.7 rebounds. His best offensive effort came in a win over Phoenix where he raked in 44 points.
[WATCH: King, Barefield combine for 76 points as Blackwater wins back-to-back | PBA Highlights]
But such production is expected from any reinforcement. What stands out for Cariaso is King's leadership, composure and involvement in the team.
“But I think aside from that (scoring), the numbers I think you can expect naman from the import. You can expect him to come in and produce. Kasama sa trabaho nila 'yun, they have to produce,” said Cariaso, whose team was on a roll since King came on board.
“But what he brings of value and what we take on as a big value for our team is really his leadership, his composure, and the way he just inserts himself and how much he wants to be part of this team. I think that has carried through throughout all the players and everyone is really just feeling good. Everyone feels good since he has been aboard.”
[RELATED STORY: Joining Blackwater easy decision for George King after hearing 'really good things' about Philippines, PBA]
Blackwater veteran Troy Rosario could not agree more.
“'Pag kasama namin si George King sa loob, mas madali 'yung basketball sa amin,” said the former UAAP champion with NU.
“Ira-run lang namin 'yung plays namin. 'Pag walang napuntahan 'yung options na ni-run namin, may babagsakan kami ng bola. George, alam na niya kung ano 'yung gagawin niya, so mas madali sa aming maglaro.”
[WATCH: George King, the winning king in Blackwater's duel against Ginebra | PBA Highlights]
Despite the new-found success with King leading the way, Blackwater makes sure they would not fall into the trap of complacency.
“We’re fortunate to have won the last three games, but we feel like our backs are still against the wall and we need to keep pushing,” said Cariaso.