Terrific 12 to aid in Blackwater’s hopes to continue making history

Blackwater Elite head coach Aries Dimaunahan said the team’s upcoming stint in the East Asia Super League’s Terrific 12 invitational will help the squad in their goal to continue making strides in the PBA.

The Elite are coming off their best elimination round record in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup where they finished 7-4. However, the team lost to Rain or Shine in the quarter-finals, 2-1, which is why Blackwater is trying to prepare even harder for the Governors’ Cup.

“We try to prepare for the 3rd conference. Who knows if we might win games there and get the top spot,” said Dimaunahan in an interview with Sports Center Philippines.

“We are very rpoud of what we’ve done sa last conference namin and we hope masundan namin yon this next conference.”

Dimaunahan is also looking at developing the chemistry of the team further with the Terrific 12 stint.

“Joining the Terrific 12 is a big boost for us, a big test for us, magandang experience for us para makita namin yung togetherness namin,” said the mentor.

Recently, Blackwater traded for Carl Bryan Cruz from the Alaska Aces, giving them an additional forward who can stretch the floor and hit outside shots.

The Elite have tapped many-time PBA import Marqus Blakely to reinforce them for the Terrific 12 meet.

Aside from team chemistry, defense will be the focus of the Elite in the tournament, as they are wary East Asian club teams have advantages in many aspects.

“Kapag international games, guys there are taller, quicker, and shoot better than anybody else so we have to be ready defensively,” said Dimaunahan. “Double-time kami sa depensa kasi talagang malalaki ang kalaban doon.”

Photo from PBA Images