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Struggling Blackwater, Terrafrima get frontline boosts

Sports | Basketball

Struggling Blackwater, Terrafrima get frontline boosts

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

Struggling teams Blackwater and Terrafirma got much-needed boosts after signing rookie big men who are fresh off their respective championship runs.

Struggling teams Blackwater and Terrafirma got much-needed boosts after signing rookie big men who are fresh off their respective championship runs.

The Bossing are signing 6-foot-8 big man Clifford Jopia who was part of the San Beda’s championship team in the NCAA Season 99 while the Dyip also activated Louie Sangalang who, likewise, is coming off a title run with Pampanga in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Jopia signed a two-year deal with Blackwater, becoming the fourth rookie in its lineup along with fellow recent signees James Kwekuteye and Archie Concepcion. The 26th overall pick of the draft is expected to provide more ceiling for the Bossing to join Troy Rosario, Ato Ular, fellow rookie Christian David and import Chris Ortiz.

The Bossing, sporting a 1-7 slate, are currently on a seven-game losing streak ahead of their clash against NLEX Road Warriors on Friday, Dec.22

Sangalang is also expected to provide more frontline depth for the Dyip. The 22nd overall pick is poised to take the backup role inside the paint for Terrafirma, playing behind import Thomas De Thaey, Isaac Go and fellow rookie Kemark Carino.

Confidence should not be an issue for the rookie big man after becoming a solid contributor with the Giant Lanterns. He’s also a proven winner after also being part of Letran’s NCAA title runs before making the leap from the amateur and professional scene.

The Dyip are currently on a four-game slide for a 2-5 record in the standings.

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