MANILA, Philippines – The Blackwater Bossing are looking forward to a brighter future after being able to finally snap their infamous 29-game losing streak in the PBA on Wednesday.
At the verge of a winless season in the PBA — what could've been the first in league history — the Bossing pulled off a 101-100 stunner over league leaders Mangolia Hotshots in their final game of the Governors’ Cup eliminations.
Though it was a non-bearing game for either team, head coach Ariel Vanguardia underscored the importance of finally getting over the hump.
"Now the monkey's off our back," Vanguardia said.
"Next season, we're looking forward to our draft picks. We have three first round picks, including the first pick... We'll have the first crack at whoever the best player is [in the draft]," he added.
Apart from the first pick, the Bossing also have the honor to open the second round of the PBA draft this year.
And all the quality picks that Blackwater were able to collect throughout the years, Vanguardia says, will be crucial to the future of the franchise.
"That's like four picks that can really help us, help this franchise get over the hump. And we won't trade those picks, we'll keep them," he said.
"We'll try to really build this team. [We’re] just thankful to our management for still supporting despite the losses, despite the setbacks that we have," he added.
Though the journey in the PBA Governor's Cup this year has ended for the Bossing, it seems like things are beginning to look good for Blackwater.