Without Sedrick Barefield, Christian David, RK Ilagan, Dalph Panopio and the rest of Blackwater got the job done against Terrafirma in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup debut.
Sedrick Barefield laced up but did not see action in Blackwater’s commanding 107-87 win over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday, Oct. 10.
Barefield failed to help his team in their first match as the sophomore guard is nursing a right shoulder tendonitis.
Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso said Barefield suffered the injury during the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao, where some PBA teams competed, last August.
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“He is still nursing a shoulder injury, nangyari 'yon noong nasa Davao kami,” said Cariaso during the post-game press conference at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
“He got screened. He hurt it, but he still was able to play through the last game. Pagbalik namin, his practice is very minimal. He’s more focused on his rehab.”
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Right now, Barefield is at 80 percent in his recovery, but Cariaso did not want to rush his ward's return unless the Bossing really needed his services.
“We thought that he is going to be ready for tonight. But he is not at 100 percent, so we felt like we just wanted to be sure before he comes back,” Cariaso said.
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No Barefield, no problem
Fortunately for Cariaso, he did not need to call his number as the Bossing took on the Dyip in both team's opening assignment.
Christian David took charge, waxing hot early before RK Ilagan put the finishing touches to the victory.
This puts the team on the right track in its goal to make the playoffs this conference.
"Nakabihis naman siya, so he’s ready to go. He did everything to prepare to play. Sabi ko sa kaniya, ‘I will try not to play you. But if I need you, I will call your name,'" said Cariaso.
It’s not clear, however, if Barefield will be ready in time for Blackwater’s game against Meralco Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.