After getting the early boot in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, Blackwater has decided to bring in Shawn Glover ahead of the Governors’ Cup.
Blackwater head coach Ariel Vanguardia made the confirmation to Daily Tribune, saying that Glover’s familiarity with their system and brand of play will serve as his major advantage in the season-ending conference.
After replacing Jaylen Bond, Glover played six games for the Bossing in which he averaged 34.8 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in the Governors’ Cup last year.
Once the leading scorer in a tournament in Iceland, Glover helped Blackwater in snapping the longest losing skid in PBA history at 29 straight.
Vanguardia added they have already made arrangements for Glover’s arrival.
“He’ll be coming in January 2,” wrote Vanguardia via Messenger.
After breaking the losing spell last season, Blackwater had a much-improved campaign in the Philippine Cup this season, reaching the playoffs for the first time in three years under Vanguardia.
But the Bossing couldn’t make it past the elimination round this conference as they were able to pick up close losses.
Injuries hampered the Bossing’s campaign as key players Troy Rosario, Baser Amer, JVee Casio and Josh Torralba were sidelined for the most part of the conference.
Picked up in a three-way trade involving top overall rookie pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and talented third year player Calvin Oftana, Rosario missed the most part of the team’s campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup due to plantar fasciitis injury.
Casio didn’t play a game in the Commissioner’s Cup due to a series of injuries, the last was a groin injury while Amer had a calf strain.
Torralba, on the other hand, had a meniscus tear.
Vanguardia said getting his injured players back in action, more than Glover’s re-entry to the team, is his major concern right now.
“More important is our injured players. If they come back in time, we have a chance because the import production we know already what Glover can give us,” Vanguardia said.
“Baser and JVee will start practicing non-contact drills on January 3. Troy can join us on January 16 while Josh is being targeted to return first week of February. Barring any setback, we expect to have a healthier line up next conference.”
