ALL eyes would be on their respective imports when Blackwater and Terrafirma collide at 4:30 pm. Thursday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bossing would be parading a new face in Troy Williams with coach Ariel Vanguardia hoping the former NBA campaigner would help them turn the corner following two straight losses that dropped them to a 1-3 slate.
"He can provide us the energy that we lack," said Vanguardia of Williams who arrived last week as replacement for Shawn Glover and has had four practices with his new team.
"Very fiery import na ito, e. Exciting na player," added Vanguardia.
The same could be said of Terrafirma's Jordan Williams, who has already displayed some high-flying acts but could not prevent his team from absorbing a 102-122 loss to powerhouse San Miguel Beer last Friday that relegated the Dyip to a 1-2 record.
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In three games, Williams has averaged 35 points and 7.3 rebounds, but coach Johnedel Cardel said mote should be expected from their reinforcement now that he is more adapted now to his teammates and the PBA style of play.
"Si Jordan medyo komportable na, medyo at home na," related Cardel. "Dati medyo naapektuhan ng mga, sa tingin niya, non-calls pero sabi ko naman to keep his mind on the game and not lose his focus and that his teammates are there, ready to help him out."
Vanguardia is also admittedly aware that the Dyip's locals, led by Juami Tiongson, would be taking the cue from Jordan Williams. That's the main reason he doesn't want to rely on offense alone, anchored on former NBA D-League Slam Dunk champion Troy Williams.
"Obviously, 'yung depensa namin has to be on point. We need to shut down their import tsaka si Juami. Kailangan ma-limit namin output nila," said Vanguardia.
"Di namin sila p'wedeng i-engage in a shootout kasi iyon ang laro nila. So defensive 'yung main gameplan namin."
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What should give Blackwater the advantage is the fact that Terrafirma's hole in the middle, created when Isaac Go got sidelined by an ACL injury, became even more pronounced with Kevin Ferrer out with a shoulder injury and Aldrech Ramos nursing an injured foot. (NC)
