No one could’ve faulted Christian David had he left the Blackwater Bossing in the offseason. He’s seen nothing but losing since getting drafted by the Dioceldo Sy-owned franchise in the PBA Season 48 Draft in 2023, with the team going 15-40 in five conferences in David’s time and missing the playoffs of every conference.
Why Christian David Chose to Stay with Blackwater
David, one of the PBA’s emerging stars, could’ve taken his talents elsewhere in the league or maybe even pursued an overseas stint, where the grass is presumably greener. Yet he chose to stay with Blackwater, re-signing with the team that drafted him for two more years. And evidently, it was an easy decision for the 27-year-old forward to re-up with the Bossing—and his reason for doing so runs deep.
“It was an easy decision,” David told reporters after Blackwater’s opening-day win over the Terrafirma Dyip when he was asked about his extension. “Blackwater has always believed in me. Coming into the draft, I didn’t know what to expect. But they took a chance on me, I was coming from an injury, and they just believed in me and allowed me to grow as a player and a person.”
Indeed, Christian David was far from a sure thing when he threw his name into the PBA Season 48 Draft. He had been playing sparingly after tearing his ACL in 2020, yet Blackwater drafted him second overall ahead of Luis Villegas (third), Keith Datu (fourth), and even Zavier Lucero (fifth).
Christian David Looks to Lead Team That Believed in Him to Playoffs
Now, Christian David is looking ahead to bigger and better things for Blackwater, whose trust he wants to repay by helping the franchise win more games—and, ultimately, make the playoffs.
“Just try to lead this team to more wins,” said David when asked what his goal is for PBA Season 50. “I felt like last year was kinda disappointing. We felt confident going into last year. This year I want to take this team to the playoffs. That’s the goal.”
On Friday, David helped Blackwater to its first win in PBA Season 50 with a 24-point, 7-rebound effort. It’s just one win, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
