Blackwater coach Bong Ramos believes his team has established itself as a legitimate contender in the PBA Governors' Cup after extending its best start in franchise history to four straight victories with a stunning 124-118 overtime victory over defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Friday night.
Ramos, however, stressed that the Elite still has a lot of work to do to live up to growing expectations. The Elite also pulled off upset victories against traditional powerhouse teams TNT KaTropa and San Miguel Beermen.
"Nasa puso ko, yes. Sa puso ng mga players, I think yes," Ramos said when asked if Blackwater is for real after its spectacular win over a Ginebra squad that was without key players Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar.
"But four wins pa lang yan. We have to play seven more games, kailangan lang namin one game at a time," added Ramos.
The Elite entered the conference with little expectations after a dismal 1-10 showing in the Commissioner's Cup that saw Ramos replacing longtime mentor Leo Isaac after a 0-3 start.
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But a title victory in a pocket tournament in Surabaya, Indonesia followed by a near-semifinal appearance in the Super 8 in Macau raised the confidence of the Elite.
Poy Erram's maturity and steady contributions from Mike DiGregorio, Paul Zamar, John Pinto and Mac Belo is undoubtedly benefiting the team.
Ramos can only hope that the string of wins will become a habit for the team.
"Sana masanay nang masanay manalo," Ramos said. (JT)
