PBA: ‘Versatile’ Chris Ortiz wows Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso

Blackwater import Chris Ortiz.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Blackwater got off to a winning start PBA Commissioner’s Cup, thanks in large part to import Chris Ortiz’s efforts.

In his debut for the Bossing, Ortiz recorded an all-around game with a double-double of 21 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks much to the delight of coach Jeff Cariaso.

“I’ve always imagined him (Ortiz) to play the way he did tonight. What I mean is for him to be versatile. Me personally, I’ve never had an import as versatile as he is wherein he can score from pretty much any place from the court,” said Cariaso after the 103-84 win.

“He’d be my first import to have those kinds of skills. It gives us a variety of things we can do so we’re happy with his first game for us.”

Ortiz isn’t a stranger to professional play.

In fact, Ortiz was an unsung cog for Puerto Rico in its stint in the 2023 Fiba World Cup in Manila.

While not dubbed as a star player for the Puerto Ricans, Ortiz still chipped in valuable minutes in the global competition with averages of 7.2 points and 2.4 rebounds after five games.

The 6-foot-8 forward’s role for the national team, however, will differ from his current run for Blackwater, said Cariaso.

“His role on our team is a lot more so we’re asking a lot from him but he’s at the right age where he has experience and versatility to play and defend well.”

The veteran tactician, though, didn’t dismiss the fact that it was just the Bossing’s first game of the season and a lot of work still has to be done with Ortiz, who sank 10 of his 26 shots from the field.

“Malayo pa tayo (we’re still pretty far away), we know we still have a lot of work to be done.”