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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Blackwater hopes trio of Barefield, David, Panopio can turn its fortunes around

Blackwater hopes trio of Barefield, David, Panopio can turn its fortunes around

Published Sep 12, 2025 03:33 pm

At A Glance

  • Building up the team through the past three drafts, the Bossing are now brimming with talent and potential after adding Batang Gilas standout Dalph Panopio as the third overall pick in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft to a core that already has potent scorers in Christian David and Sedrick Barefield.
Blackwater now has a triumvirate that could serve as the foundation of its team as it bids to turn its fortunes around in the upcoming PBA 50th Season.
Building up the team through the past three drafts, the Bossing are now brimming with talent and potential after adding Batang Gilas standout Dalph Panopio as the third overall pick in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft to a core that already has potent scorers in Christian David and Sedrick Barefield.
Both Barefield and David were Blackwater's back-to-back second overall picks in the 2023 and 2024 editions of the draft. They were also the leading scorers of the team last season with the former averaging 18.5 points while the latter had 11.7.
Though their ability to score isn't exactly a question, their capability to do it on a consistent basis has become an issue. David had a high of 31 points while Barefield had 33, but with opposing teams' defenses focusing on them, their effectiveness on the floor has been limited.
And that is where a pass-first point guard like Panopio is coming in.
With the 25 year old proving to be an effective playmaker, be it for himself or his teammates, there is some sense of optimism that he could help Blackwater become a consistent playoff contender.
“I hope this dynamic trio can lift the new Blackwater Bossings to the playoffs,“ Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy told Manila Bulletin.
Panopio also shared the same excitement, believing he is a fit for the Bossing system.
“Blackwater had top picks before, and now, I hope and I’ll try my best to help the team grow and develop. Having so much talent, like Christian David and Sedrick, I’m really excited to play with them,” he added.
“Somehow, the system [of Coach Jeff Cariaso] really helped me in my tryout. It wasn’t like having a practice, I was having fun and enjoying, so that is something that I’m happy about and something that is important. I feel like I can fit in their system,” he added.
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