Blackwater impresses in Malaysia tiff

MANILA, Philippines – One thing is sure, Blackwater won’t be leaving anything to chance as the Elite begin their preparation this early for the PBA’s 41st season.

The Elite, who selected the most number of rookies in the recent Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft with eight, made good use of the preseason following their strong runner-up finish in the 2015 Seri Mutiara Champions Cup on Sunday.

Blackwater finished the tournament held in three cities with a 5-2 record, dropping a narrow 73-76 decision to Nigeri Sembilan Matrix in the Finals.

But coach Leo Isaac remains pleased with how the Elite competed, despite being the only team in the tournament to play without an import.

“May nakita kaming kumikinang na mga bagay sa team namin after the tournament,” Isaac told Philstar.com on Tuesday.

“Of course, may mga bagay pa kaming kailangang ayusin, but I think kung makuha nmin yung disiplina sa depensa, mabibigyan na rin namin ng sakit ng ulo ang mga teams sa PBA,” he added.

Blackwater relied on several of its new acquisitions during the road trip to Malaysia that included big man James Sena, along with rookies Keith Agovida, Kawhar Purdy and Almond Vosotros.

Veteran playmaker Mike Cortez, whom the team acquired in a three-team trade, prior to the draft, failed to join the trip, while JP Erram had to stay in Manila to recover from an injury.

First-round draftee Art Dela Cruz also didn’t join the Malaysian trip due to his ongoing commitment with San Beda in the NCAA, while Jayson Melano, another rookie acquisition, failed to secure his Philippine passport in time.

So far, Isaac said he’s particularly impressed with Agovida, a former NCAA juniors gunner, who played all-out despite the presence of 6-11 imports.

“Para sa akin, revelation itong si Keith Agovida, kasi from just a fourth round pick, nagulat kami dahil lumalaban siya kahit na mga 6-11 ang imports,” said the soft-spoken Blackwater coach.

“Siguro lung mabigyan itong bata ng pagkakataon, gagawa din ng pangalan yan sa PBA,” he added.

The Elite are looking forward to improving on their woeful 4-29 win-loss record during their maiden year in the PBA this past season.