The Blackwater Bossing have emerged as one of the early surprises of this PBA Governors’ Cup, and Sedrick Barefield is feeling good about it. According to him, this surprising start is a reflection of many positive things happening within the team.
“I feel really good, not only just with this team but with like personally, I don’t remember a 2-0 start to a season, it just speaks to our habits, it speaks to our identity right now,” Barefield told Rebanse on Friday after Blackwater eked out an 89-81 win over the Magnolia Hotshots.
Curiously, Barefield struggled in that contest as he scored only 10 points on 4-for-16 shooting. But Blackwater found a way thanks to import Kentrell Barkley, RK Ilagan, and some clutch defense down the stretch.
Blackwater’s win on Friday is their second straight to open the conference, following the Bossing’s emphatic blowout of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their opener.
Barefield and Blackwater’s New Era Under Pat Aquino
Barefield further added that the Bossing’s early winning streak is a result of the culture and system instilled by head coach Patrick Aquino.
“The things that coach Pat is instilling in us, and I’m just happy with our guys, we’ve been doing a good job of staying together, trusting each other, and hopefully we keep it going,” he pointed out.
Aquino took over the head coaching duties midway through the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. He had a 1-5 record, with his sole victory coming against the San Miguel Beermen. Now, the Bossing sit atop the Group B standings alongside the Phoenix Fuel Masters, who also tote a 2-0 record.
The Bossing certainly stayed together and trusted each other against Magnolia. With Barefield contained, Ilagan picked up the slack with 20 points on his way to earning Best Player of the Game honors. This year’s No. 3 overall draft pick, Dalph Panopio, added 12 points off the bench along with 3 rebounds and 1 steal. Meanwhile, Barkley posted an impressive double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds. He also repaid the Bossing’s trust in him down the stretch, converting on back-to-back tough lay-ins that jumpstarted Blackwater’s game-sealing 10-0 run in the end.
Now, Barefield and the rest of the Bossing can look forward with a positive feel. And they will look to keep their winning streak alive when they face the Meralco Bolts on July 21 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
