Blackwater’s Baser Amer. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso is still in the getting-to-know stage with Baser Amer but he believes it’s the guard’s season for the taking.
Amer, who is about to be on his eighth season in the PBA, drew praises from Cariaso during the league’s Media Day at One Esplanade on Wednesday.
“I’m still really getting to know him. I’m getting to know what makes him go, so that relationship part is also crucial with me coming in as a new coach,” said Cariaso.
“He’s really taken on the responsibility and really confident on how he approaches things so again, he’s someone we’re going to rely on.”
Amer played limited minutes for Bossing in the PBA on Tour with norms of 6.9 points and 2.2 assists.
But the San Beda product balled out for Blackwater in last season’s installment of the OBA Commissioners’ Cup, averaging 16.1 markers and 2.6 dimes in eight games.
Cariaso hopes to see that same impact show up in this year’s Comm’s Cup tournament. In fact, he thinks the upcoming season Amer’s prime in his career.
“He is the vet and it’s his time. That’s what we expect from him,” he said. “Understanding where he is in his career, for me, this is his prime and when you’re in your prime, it’s crucial that you show up. He knows and understands. He’s one guy that we’ll rely on heavily.”
Blackwater will rely on their floor general when they tip off their Season 48 campaign against Converge on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Philsports Arena.