The Blackwater Bossing showed signs of being a more competitive team in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup under debuting coach Pat Aquino. This Governors’ Cup, the Bossing looked primed for a breakthrough with back‑to‑back wins to start the conference. The Bossing, though, quickly crashed back down before heading into the long break with another win. Now, as the league resumes, Aquino and his wards are hoping to finish what they started with at least a playoff spot.
Where Does Blackwater Stand at the Moment
Blackwater currently sits at 3‑3, which is good enough for fourth place in Group B behind the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Magnolia Hotshots, and Phoenix Fuel Masters. Crucially, the Bossing are two losses clear of fifth‑place Meralco Bolts and a win and a loss ahead of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
That 3‑3 record should at least give the Bossing some wiggle room as they enter the restart with matchups against Magnolia, Meralco, Rain or Shine, and Ginebra. With the way Group B action has played out, three wins out of those final four games should push the Bossing into the quarterfinals. Two wins could bring complications, although they could be enough, too, depending on how the other teams fare.
What to Watch Out for When Blackwater Returns
Shooting ought to be a point of emphasis as the Bossing might’ve had more wins if only they found the bottom of the net more. But they didn’t—and the numbers are brutal. Blackwater is eighth in the league in field goal shooting (44.2%), 13th in true shooting (52.0%), 12th in effective field goal shooting (48.2%), and 13th in three‑point shooting (25.3%).
Those are terrible shooting numbers for a team with two gunners in Sedrick Barefield and RK Ilagan, and an efficient import in Kentrell Barkley. So, when action returns this October, it’s only fair to keep an eye on the Bossing’s shooting. If it improves, then maybe a few more wins are coming.
Locals to Keep an Eye On
Prior to the conference, Aquino made it clear he wants Barefield to assume a bigger leadership role with the Bossing. He has responded somewhat, putting up 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals to go along with a fourth‑quarter takeover or two. But there’s plenty of room for improvement, and after a stint with Gilas Pilipinas, there’s reason to believe SB will level up his game even more.
Another player to keep an eye on is Christian David, who was limited to just two games before the break due to a knee injury. One of Blackwater’s main men in recent years, David’s numbers are down to 1.0 point and 1.5 rebounds in 6.2 minutes, and his absence means the Bossing have one fewer weapon. The long break should give the 6‑foot‑6 wing enough time to get healthy, and that should be good news for Aquino.
Outlook
A playoff spot is certainly within reach for the Bossing, but it won’t be easy given their remaining schedule (Magnolia, Meralco, Rain or Shine, and Ginebra). Then again, the Bolts have been up and down this conference, and Ginebra has no safety blanket in the form of Justin Brownlee. Meaning, there’s a pathway for Blackwater to make the quarterfinals. And if Barkley, Ilagan, and Barefield continue their stellar play, and David rediscovers his form right away, then Aquino might just be set for his first postseason appearance.
