Elite team owner Dioceldo Sy has changed his mind about playing all-Filipino in Douthit's absence, saying they are now on the lookout for someone who will reinforce the team in its matches against Talk ‘N Text on June 12 and San Miguel Beer (June 16).
“We’re trying to get one (to replace Douthit). Naudlot kasi yung mga nauna naming kinuha, eh we hope makalusot na ito this time,” Sy told Spin.ph on Tuesday. The Blackwater big boss declined to give a name, but said they are looking at a 6-foot-11 former NBA slotman who recently played in Japan’s professional league.
“He’s in the US now, but he played in Japan, is about 6-11 and 28 years old,” he added. Sy said should the replacement be impressive, he might finish the conference with the Elite.
Sy also dispelled talk that Blackwater is tanking games with an eye on the coming PBA rookie draft, stressing that the team’s ongoing struggles are part of the birth pains of an expansion squad.
“Malas lang kami sa pag-recruit ng import ang ng ilang local players. This is just part of the learning process we have as an expansion team in the PBA,” said Sy, a long-time businessman-sportsman, who once served as chairman of the defunct Philippine Basketball League.
Blackwater currently occupies the cellar in the standings with its 1-5 record. The Elite hope to break out of their two-game slump as they face the struggling Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Wednesday.
Watch Blackwater vs Rain or Shine June 03, 2015 Governor's Cup
RAIN or Shine and Blackwater are desperately in need of that one good push that should get their campaign really going.
Either the Elasto Painters or the Elite are sure to have that spark for a momentum when they collide Wednesday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gametime is at 4:15 p.m.