MANILA, Philippines – George King may not have been the first import choice, but his arrival at Blackwater feels very much like a “blessing in disguise.”
King delivered a superb PBA debut as the Bossing beat Barangay Ginebra for the first time in five years and finally broke through in the Governors’ Cup by way of a 95-88 win at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, August 30.
A former NBA player who saw action for the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks, King turned in 33 points, 19 rebounds, and 4 assists to lead Blackwater to its first victory in Group B following an inauspicious 0-3 start.
The Bossing tapped King after they parted ways with Ricky Ledo and after plans to bring in Cameron Clark fell through.
“I just want to say that things happen for a reason. Sometimes things do not work out with other people and it becomes a blessing to someone else,” said Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso.
“How we got here is really for us a blessing in disguise. He is meant to be here. Let us see how we move forward.”
Despite practicing with the team just once, King looked right at home as he unloaded 14 points in the third quarter to help the Bossing mount a 77-64 lead, which proved enough to hold off the Gin Kings’ fourth-quarter comeback.
“The offense that we have, I like it a lot. I’ve ran similar stuff in the past, so I’m familiar with that. It really just fit like a glove,” said King.
“Coach here is really easygoing. He made it really simple for me, which took a lot of pressure off of me as well. It just works. It is a glove-fit.”
Ginebra fought back and got within 88-91 with a minute left behind resident import Justin Brownlee, only to witness Blackwater rookie Sedrick Barefield put the game away by knocking down a booming four-pointer.
Barefield, the second overall pick, tallied 13 points and 2 steals in his first PBA win as the Bossing ended a nine-game skid against the Gin Kings.
“We knew he has that in him. That is one of the reasons why we are blessed to be able to acquire Sed. He is one guy who will take the big shots,” said Cariaso.
Christian David and Troy Rosario added 11 and 10 points, respectively, for Blackwater.
Fresh from a career-high 51-point explosion in their win over San Miguel, Brownlee once again put Ginebra on his back with 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, but his efforts were not enough for his retooled squad.
Still adjusting to the departure of stars Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle and the entry of Stephen Holt, Isaac Go, and rookie RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings fell to 1-2.
Japeth Aguilar backstopped Brownlee with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Abarrientos put up 10 points and 3 steals.
Former league MVP Scottie Thompson continued to struggle, recording just 4 points on a 2-of-9 shooting, although he finished with 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
The Scores
Blackwater 95 – King 33, Barefield 13, David 11, Rosario 10, Guinto 9, Kwekuteye 8, Ilagan 5, Chua 4, Escoto 2, Casio 0, Mitchell 0, Ponferrada 0.
Barangay Ginebra 88 – Brownlee 37, Aguilar 17, Abarrientos 10, Ahanmisi 9, Holt 5, Thompson 4, Go 4, Adamos 2, Cu 0, Garcia 0.
Quarters: 20-21, 46-44, 77-64, 95-88.
– Rappler.com