By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Blackwater Bossing franchise just made a key move for their upcoming campaign in the next conference of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
After several disappointing conferences with head coach Ariel Vanguardia, Blackwater just announced last April 3, 2023, that former Converge FiberXers chief mentor Jeffrey Cariaso will replace him effective next playing conference.
Blackwater posted Cariaso’s photo on their social media accounts with the caption: “New Coach” which drew tons of mixed reactions from the PBA community.
Cariaso’s new coaching duties will mark his return to the big boys’ league after taking a break when the FiberXers decided not to renew his contract last year.
During his stint as Converge’s chief tactician, Cariaso garnered a 5-6 win-loss record and led them to a quarterfinal appearance during the past two seasons.
The PBA legend was also a part of the Alaska Aces dynasty as an assistant coach to Alex Compton from 2015-2019.
Cariaso then received his biggest break as a mentor when he was tasked to replace Compton as the new head coach of the Aces.
The former point guard will be expected to boost Blackwater’s attempt in unlocking their full team potential once their training camp kicks off.
A familiar face will also be alongside Cariaso as his former Alaska floor general JV Casio was traded to Blackwater last year.
Mike DiGregorio, one of his reliable shooting guards in Alaska and Converge, will also play for the Bossing together with RK Ilagan, his backup point guard when he was still calling the shots for Converge.
Completing his All-Star cast in the Blackwater lineup are national team power forward staple Troy Rosario and former Meralco Bolts’ star Baser Amer.
