A lot was expected out of Sedrick Barefield as the second overall pick of the 2024 PBA Draft. He has proven to be a star since then for the Blackwater Bossing, averaging 18.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in his rookie season to make the All-Rookie First Team.
More from Sedrick Barefield
But for Pat Aquino, a career winner at every level he has coached in, there’s another level Barefield can reach—that tier of the PBA’s very best.
“Iyon na ang usapan namin sa kanya: ‘You have to step up a little bit more kasi eto na ‘yung best chance mo to be one of the top players of this team so kailangang-kailangan ka namin,’” Aquino said of his prized sophomore ahead of the season-ending PBA Governors’ Cup.
That’s an interesting take from Aquino. Last conference, Barefield was second only to Jerrick Ahanmisi in scoring, tallying 21.1 points per game as he arguably put up his best tournament thus far in two seasons.
Evidently, Aquino wants more from the explosive Fil-Am guard, who has been and continues to be the subject of trade rumors.
Adjusting to the Main Man Role
Specifically, Aquino is hoping Sedrick Barefield can take the main man role for Blackwater—or at least co-main man with import Kentrell Barkley.
“The thing with Sed, halos siya naging main man last time, nahirapan siya being not fully adjusted sa role na iyon,” Aquino explained. “I hope he’s learned his lesson and with our import p’wede na siyang maging second main man na magta-trabaho.”
Fortunately for Aquino and Blackwater, Barefield appears to be main man material. And he has shown here and there that he can take that mantle—like when he led Blackwater past the mighty San Miguel Beermen last conference with a 29-point, 7-rebound, 8-assist masterclass that included a fourth-quarter takeover.
That could be the Sedrick Barefield Aquino is looking for this conference. He could be primed for it.
