Blackwater has no plan of dropping its import — at least for now.
Bossing team owner Dioceldo Sy told Daily Tribune that they will be sticking with their reinforcement, Chris Ortiz, in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.
Talks of Ortiz’s possible departure surfaced after he submitted a subpar performance in their 84-105 loss to unbeaten Magnolia last Wednesday at the Philsports Arena. After all, other teams have also started changing their imports as the conference enters its halfway mark.
But Sy extinguished speculations that they would be making a major adjustment.
“No need,” wrote Sy via Messenger.
“Last time around, he had a solid game, but we lacked local support. Against Magnolia, he had a bad game, then it was the locals who carried much of the load.”
“There should be a balanced production.”
In their previous game, Ortiz was reduced to only eight points while being held by the defensive-minded Hotshots to a woeful 3-for-13 shooting from the field.
Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso believes one game shouldn’t determine the value of an import he is also bound to have an off-night.
Prior to his measly production against Magnolia, Ortiz played his most productive game of the tournament against Rain or Shine last 2 December.
Although they suffered a 110-115 loss, Ortiz fired 46 points and nine rebounds while failing to have key support from the local players, including top rookie Christian David, who finished with only four markers.
“We understand that the numbers put up by Chris Ortiz versus Magnolia are not his usual numbers. Leading up to the game, Chris was not the issue. The issue has been our very poor rebounding and increased turnovers. Plain and simple,” Cariaso said noting that they were clobbered by the Hotshots in the rebounding department, 58-40.
Bossing also lost in rebounding against Barangay Ginebra, 33-47, last 26 November.
Cariaso said replacing Ortiz isn’t the most logical thing to do.
“At this point, that is the wrong message to send,” added Cariaso, when asked about the possibility of replacing the FIBA World Cup veteran who played for Puerto Rico.
“Chris played his worst game against Magnolia and it’s obvious we needed him in the fourth quarter. But it would put the blame on him and not on the team itself, including myself, if we were to replace him.”
Cariaso is confident Ortiz will regain his bearings to help them contend for a playoff spot.
“I believe Chris will be his usual self in our remaining game as we strive to win and give ourselves a chance to make the playoffs. It’s still possible,” he said.
