A Closer Look at PBA Blackwater Players and Their Performance This Season
As I settled into my seat at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum last Friday night, watching the PBA Blackwater players warm up under those bright arena lights, I couldn't help but reflect on how this team has evolved this season. The energy in the coliseum was palpable - that unique blend of anticipation and basketball passion that only Filipino fans can create. Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've developed a particular fascination with Blackwater's journey, especially their performance this 2024 season. What struck me immediately during that July 4 matchup was how dramatically their playing style has transformed compared to last season.
Let me be honest here - I've always had a soft spot for underdog teams, and Blackwater has consistently fit that description throughout much of their PBA history. But something feels different this time around. The statistics speak volumes - their field goal percentage has jumped from 41% last season to nearly 47% this year, and that's not just random improvement. Watching them move the ball against TNT during that Friday game, I counted at least six possessions where they executed perfect ball rotation leading to wide-open threes. Their assist numbers have increased by approximately 18% compared to last season, which tells me they're playing more unselfish basketball. What really impressed me during that July 4 matchup was their defensive intensity - they forced 15 turnovers in the first three quarters alone, converting them into 22 points off turnovers.
The transformation becomes even more remarkable when you look at individual performances. Take Rey Nambatac, for instance - the guy has been absolutely sensational. I've tracked his stats closely, and his scoring average has jumped from 12.8 points per game last conference to about 17.2 this season. But it's not just about the numbers - it's how he's achieving them. During that Friday game at Smart-Araneta, I noticed how he's developed this incredible ability to read defensive schemes, often making the right pass even before the defense can react. Then there's Troy Rosario, who's been grabbing rebounds at a career-high rate of about 9.2 per game. What many fans might not notice is his improved defensive positioning - I saw him successfully defend multiple pick-and-roll situations during that July 4 game, something he struggled with last season.
Now, I want to address something that might be controversial, but I believe Blackwater's coaching staff deserves more credit than they're getting. Coach Jeff Cariaso has implemented this beautiful motion offense that maximizes their players' strengths. During timeouts in that Friday matchup, I observed how specific and detailed his instructions were - not just generic "play better defense" comments, but actual strategic adjustments. The team's execution after those timeouts was noticeably better, resulting in at least three crucial scoring runs. Their offensive rating has improved from 102.3 last season to approximately 110.6 this year, and that doesn't happen by accident. It's systematic, it's well-drilled, and frankly, it's beautiful basketball to watch.
There are areas where they still need work, though. Their bench production remains inconsistent - during that July 4 game, their second unit was outscored 28-18, which nearly cost them the game. Free throw shooting is another concern; they're shooting about 68% from the line this season, which simply isn't good enough for a professional team. I noticed at least four missed free throws in the fourth quarter alone during that Friday matchup, and in close games, those misses can be the difference between winning and losing.
What really excites me about this Blackwater team is their resilience. Earlier in the season, they suffered some heartbreaking losses - remember that overtime defeat against Ginebra? - but they've bounced back stronger. During that July 4 game, when TNT went on that 12-0 run in the third quarter, last season's Blackwater team would have folded. This year's squad? They called timeout, regrouped, and responded with a 14-2 run of their own. That mental toughness is something you can't teach, and it's becoming their trademark.
As the final buzzer sounded that Friday night at Smart-Araneta Coliseum, securing another Blackwater victory, I found myself genuinely excited about this team's future. They're not perfect - no team ever is - but the progress they've shown this season is remarkable. The chemistry between their veterans and younger players, the strategic improvements in their gameplay, and that newfound mental fortitude make them one of the most compelling teams to watch this season. While I don't think they're championship contenders just yet, they've certainly positioned themselves as serious playoff threats. And honestly? I can't wait to see how the rest of their season unfolds.
