The Blackwater Bossing have started seeing a bright future ahead of them with the arrival of superstar rookie Sedrick Barefield.
The Blackwater Bossing had a rather successful stint despite not making the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Struggling to start the conference, the Bossing immediately found success with import George King, who will return with the team for the Commissioner’s Cup.
But another huge reason for Blackwater’s success has been their four-point shooting.
The Bossing converted the most 4-pointers in the conference, going 26/90 in 10 games. King led the way with 10, followed by RK Ilagan and rookie Sedrick Barefield with three 4-pointers made apiece.
Head coach Jeffrey Cariaso, who initially had mixed feelings about the implementation of the four-point line, has come to recognize its potential impact on the game.
“I was 50/50 about the four-point line from the beginning. I'll be honest with that, but it really is a game changer, it really is different,” Cariaso told One PH's Power & Play.
Despite its exciting possibilities, the Blackwater tactician emphasized that the four-point line should not become a crutch for players.
“It's something that you can't rely on,” said Cariaso. “I think it's a weapon you can use for a few players who we feel can extend the range that way, but it's not for everyone.
“For me, it has to be used as a weapon and not really part of how you normally play,” he added.
But of course, Blackwater’s improvements this conference have also been due to their superstar rookie Barefield, who averaged 18.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
The 27-year-old guard is expected to bring the necessary firepower and talent for the Bossing to compete against the top teams in the league.
“No question that we're happy that Sed is on our side. He really brings in a unique experience and talent,” said Cariaso.
“You need talent to win in our league and you go across the teams that that are in the semis as we speak, there's talent across that lineup, and Sed coming over brings us additional talent to our squad that we much needed,” he added.
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Having spent the last few months observing Barefield, Cariaso noted that the young guard possesses a winning mentality.
“What I’ve gotten to learn about him is he’s a winner and he’s a fighter. He wants to win every shooting drill, every drill at practice,” Cariaso said. “That’s something you cannot teach, and he’s bringing that to the team.”
[ALSO READ: PBA: Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield feels ‘more of himself’ after dropping best game so far vs. Phoenix]
Moreover, Cariaso highlighted Barefield’s coachability and ability to foster team camaraderie.
“What I'm liking about him also is I'm finding out that he’s very coachable and he really is a team player,” Cariaso explained.
“When you see him off the court and how he is around his teammates and how he extends himself, I told him that's going to make him even more special because your teammates are going to be you are going to love you for that and then they're going to be there for you when you need them,” he added.
As Blackwater gears up for the Commissioner’s Cup, the strategic use of the four-point line combined with the talents of players like Barefield and King may prove to be a crucial factor in their quest for success.