Blackwater’s JVee Casio. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Blackwater is back in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup win column and it is hoping to have its foremost playmaker in action when the Bossing take on a juggernaut next week.
Coach Ariel Vanguardia is looking to unleash seasoned playmaker JVee Casio when the club takes on TNT to get a streak going in the import-laden conference.
“We’re praying that he plays the next game, that he gets back the next game. That’s (against) TNT,” he said on Friday, on the heels of a 93-86 decision over Terrafirma at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Casio is Blackwater’s lead point guard, and before going on hiatus was the second-best producer behind rookie Ato Ular, putting up 11.8 points in the last Philippine Cup despite his 36-year-old frame.
An 11-year veteran, Casio has yet to play in this tournament due to a groin injury. Prior to that, he also sustained a sprain during a friendly against guest team Bay Area during the midseason break.
Vanguardia is also hoping that the gap until his wards’ clash against the 1-1 Tropang Giga adds to the likelihood that Casio is able to return.
“We have eight days to prepare, and then we play again,” he said.
Holding the fort so far for 3-3 Blackwater are import Cameron Krutwig and the resurgent Baser Amer.