Blackwater is playing it wisely in managing Sedrick Barefield as the former second overall pick remains on the sidelines due to plantar fasciitis.
Bossing head coach Jeff Cariaso said that the team would prefer to see the young guard recover fully first before bringing him back to the active roster.
“We are being smart with his plantar fasciitis injury,” the veteran mentor said. “We’re hoping that when he comes back, he’s back for good.
“That’s why we’re not rushing him,” he added.
Cariaso disclosed the status of Barefield moments after Blackwater”s 96-86 win over Terrafirma for their second victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
It was already the fourth straight game that the 28-year-old missed due to his foot injury, and it remains uncertain yet on when he will return.
Barefield last played on December 15 in a 15-102 loss to San Miguel at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, in which he finished with 17 points.
He’d then go on to miss their next four games and the former G League campaigner was sorely missed as they went 1-3 in that stretch.
Still, there’s optimism surrounding Barefield given his condition recently.
“The last couple of days have been positive for him,” Cariaso said.
Barefield, before being sidelined, was averaging 20.7 points, 4.25 rebounds, and 3.75 assists in 35 minutes of playing time.
