MANILA, Philippines - Blackwater Sports brings its act to Jakarta as it competes in the Enjoy Jakarta Anniversary basketball tournament which got under way yesterday at Hall A of GMSB Kuningan.
A semifinalist in the recent PBA D-League Foundation Cup, the Elite test the mettle of the Bangkok side with coach Leo Isaac and team owner Dioceldo Sy confident of their wards’ chances.
“With a short tournament like this, every game matters,” said Sy, who gave a send-off party for his team, led by team managers Silliman Sy and Johnson Martines and backers Rudy Yu, Mike Lim, Pat Aquino, last Thursday. “Besides, it’s a great honor to represent the country in this tournament.”
“There are only six teams in the tournament but I’m sure it’s going to be tough,” added Sy. “I hope their experience in the D-League will serve them well.”
Alan Mangahas and Clark Bautista head the team along with Paul Zamar, Robie Celiz, Neil Pascual, Gio Ciriacruz, Kenneth Acibar, John Faronda, John Montemayor and Jessie Bustos. Boy Sablan is Isaac’s assistant.
The six teams are divided into two groups with Blackwater, Thailand and Jakarta Selection comprising Group A and Seoul, Jakarta College and Jakarta Pelatda Pon making up Group B.
Isaac picked the Koreans and the Jakarta Selections as the teams to beat.
Blackwater takes a rest today before facing Jakarta Selection tomorrow. The top two teams in each group advance to the crossover semifinals on Saturday with the winners colliding in a one-game face-off for the title on Sunday.