Blackwater Bossing import George King against Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee in a PBA Governors’ Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso is glad things worked out well after replacement import George King put on an impressive debut in Friday’s upset of Barangay Ginebra in Group B of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
King dropped 33 points including two four-point shots in the third quarter that helped create some separation from the Gin Kings, eventually paving the way for the Bossing to finally enter the win column after a 0-3 start.
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“Things happen for a reason, right?,” said coach Jeffrey Cariaso. “Sometimes, things don’t work out with other people and it becomes a blessing for someone else. And the person that is supposed to be meant for us will be the guy who is here. And so far, so good for us.”
The former NBA player, who also grabbed 19 rebounds, came to Manila after Blackwater let go of original import Ricky Ledo following two uninspiring performances marred by missing all seven shots from newly-installed four-point line.
Initially, the Bossing were in contact with Cameron Clark to be Ledo’s successor, but the ex-import of NLEX and San Miguel Beer had to forego plans of a Manila return due to a family emergency.
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“We maintained our optimism despite the need to replace our first import,” said Cariaso. “And how George got here, I really don’t care. I’m just happy that he’s here.”
In defeating Ginebra, Blackwater slightly moved up in the group standings after losing its previous three games by an average margin of 16.7 points.
Blackwater will end the second round on Tuesday against winless Phoenix at Smart Araneta Coliseum.