The Blackwater Elite have decided to go with Marqus Blakely as their import for the rest of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Team manager Pat Aquino confirmed the development Wednesday, hours before Blakely and the Elite take on defending champs Magnolia Hotshots at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Blakely has now fully taken over the reinforcement chores from Aaron Fuller, the team’s initial choice for the role.
Blakely was brought in last month to replace Fuller after he hurt his ankle during practice, which caused him to miss the Elite’s campaign in the East Asia Super League-The Terrific 12.
The former Best Import’s stint with Blackwater then extended to the season-ending conference, appearing in their first three games where they only won just one game.
The do-it-all Blakely averaged 11.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 4.6 blocks, and 2.3 steals in that span.
The Elite still gave Fuller a chance, as they activated him last October 11 versus Columbuan Dyip. There, he had 26 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
However, his efforts were not enough as Blackwater lost, 90-102, dropping its record to 1-4.