Blackwater is ripping a page from the Rain or Shine playbook to come up with an impressive performance in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Bossing head coach Ariel Vanguardia said bringing in a do-it-all import is what they need to become a successful independent team like the two-time champion Elasto Painters.
Bossing import Cameron Krutwig had started to make his presence felt.
Against Phoenix Super LPG, the former Loyola Chicago star registered an all-around performance of 17 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and a block to lead the Bossing to a 97-85 victory.
With Krutwig patrolling the paint while spotting the open men, six Bossing emerged in double figures in scoring with Baser Amer firing 24 points while Troy Rosario tallying 15 points and 10 rebounds and Rey Suerte chipping in 15 points, Rashawn McCarthy adding 12 and Gab Banal pouring 10.
Vanguardia said Krutwig still got the job done despite tailing to surpass the 20-point barrier in his first two matches.
“Don’t expect him to score 40 points because what he provides to the team are the intangibles,” Vanguardia said.
“We are so used to high-scoring, ball-dominant imports, who have been the stereotypes of Pinoy basketball.”
Vanguardia said fielding an all-around import has been the trademark of Rain or Shine under head coach Yeng Guiao, something that they want to emulate.
“We’re using a different approach,” Vanguardia said.
“Remember, the last time an independent team won a championship (Rain or Shine), they brought in an import who is not a heavy scorer, yet, he was a perfect fit for the team.”
“We have someone who makes the team better and his teammates love him. Collectively, we will be better.”