Jeff Cariaso sees Christian David as a cornerstone for Blackwater along with explosive guard Sedrick Barefield.
Christian David is top priority.
This was what Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso said when asked about the status of David, whose contract with the Bossing expires next month.
David, after all, sat out the recently concluded Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament where the Bossing wound up as runners-up.
“They’re going through the negotiations as we speak,” Cariaso told One Sports.
“Christian has always been a top priority since we ended last season, making sure we re-sign him. Right now, they (Blackwater management and David) are going through talks.”
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The No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, David, has lived up to the Bossing’s expectations.
In the Philippine Cup last season, the 6-foot-5 winger from Butler submitted averages of 15.64 points, 7.36 rebounds and 1.55 assists.
Blackwater, though, finished with only two victories.
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Still, Cariaso continues to see David as a cornerstone of the team along with prolific guard Sedrick Barefield.
That’s why PBA 50 Greatest Players member Cariaso is optimistic that the outcome of the contract negotiations with David will favor the Bossing, who are looking to improve their sagging fortunes.
“I’m confident that he will be extended before it even expires. We’re just kind of giving them time for both management and him to negotiate, and that’s what they’re going through right now,” Cariaso said.