Blackwater lost the luxury of a foreign reinforcement when they battled Charles Rhodes and the San Miguel Beermen in 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup action, Friday evening at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Elite did not have Alex Stepheson around, as he currently has a stomach ailment, per multiple reports.
Without the hulking 6-foot-10 slotman, Blackwater lost to a hot-shooting San Miguel side, 106-127. They fell to 5-2, and surrendered their share of team standing leadership to TNT and NorthPort.
“Tonight, we didn’t have somebody to protect the paint for us. Obviously, bugbog kami sa rebounding and sa second-chance points,” lamented Elite interim head coach Aris Dimaunahan.
“But still, it’s not an excuse na ganoon.”
Things are more difficult for Blackwater since there is still no timetable for Stephenson’s recovery or his return. The 31-year-old flew to the US on Friday morning so his personal doctor could check him, as per reports.
“As of now wala pa,” Dimaunahan said. “As of now, yun pa lang yung… He has some health issues with his body. Kailangan niyang ayusin muna yun.”
Moreover, Dimaunahan and his crew have yet to discuss if they will hire a replacement for Stepheson. “As of now, wala pa kaming napagmi-meeting-an kasi all of a sudden yun eh. All of a sudden,” the young mentor said.
“We still have to talk amongst ourselves kung anong magiging next plan namin.”
For now, Dimaunahan only hopes for the best for Stepheson, who has been a major key of the Elite’s success in the tilt, where they were 5-1 prior to Friday. He left with per-game norms of 22.2 points, 22.0 boards, and 2.2 blocks.
“Hopefully nga maging okay na siya and makabalik siya rito to help our team.”
