Sedrick Barefield had a dazzling debut for the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Sedrick Barefield looked like he was already at full strength when he made his PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup debut Wednesday night, Oct. 15.
Like usual, Barefield did everything on the court on his way to a game-high 34 points, though Blackwater still ceded a 96-105 loss to Meralco.
As it turned out, Barefield still feels pain from the right shoulder tendonitis injury he suffered during the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao, which caused him to miss the Bossing's first game.
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“He still has a little strain on his shoulder. I think gusto niya talagang manalo since it’s his first game, so he was really trying to overcome the pain,” Cariaso told reporters after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Unfortunately, Barefield — recognized as part of the All-Rookie Team by the PBA Press Corps recently — will have to play hurt longer than expected unless he gets a significant time to heal.
“I think he has to get used to playing na may kaunting sakit. I think it’s not going to be totally gone, unless he gets a lengthy rest time,” Cariaso added.
“[But] we can’t afford that, so he’s going to play through it.”
Blackwater star Sedrick Barefield hits his mark Wednesday night, Oct. 15. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Barefield also hauled down two rebounds, issued two assists and had no turnover in nearly 29 minutes on the floor.
He teamed up with RK Ilagan in the second half as they tried to rally Blackwater from as many as 24 points down.
“He’s very diligent sa rehab niya. Tonight, he has shown that he really wanted to win. Sayang lang," said Cariaso.
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Nonetheless, the PBA legend-turned-mentor is glad to have Barefield back at his disposal, 100 percent healthy or not.
“We’re happy that he’s back. He gave us a lift. He was hitting big shots for us. Alam naman nating capable siya,” Cariaso said.
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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.