Just when the Blackwater Elite thought their biggest concern would be their next win in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, another issue rose.
Allegations cropped up on Monday that sophomore guard Renz Palma had played in a “ligang labas” game without the team’s permission, last Sunday in Bulacan. One of Tiebreaker Times’ sources confirmed the assertion.
The source revealed that the UE product might incur a suspension.
This new issue adds to the string of problems the Elite have faced in the past months, from the departure of key players Poy Erram and Nard Pinto in the off-season, to the lengthy absence of center Rabeh Al-Hussaini.
It also doesn’t help that the Elite are currently at 1-5 in the ongoing Philippine Cup, especially since they made waves in the 2018 Governors’ Cup. In that campaign, Blackwater finished the eliminations with a 7-4 record.
Blackwater head coach Bong Ramos didn’t shy away from the fact that facing such challenges bothers him.
“Siyempre, nakaka-bother din,” admitted the seasoned bench strategist. Ramos took the coaching reins from Leo Isaac back in April of 2018, when Blackwater started the Commissioner’s Cup with three consecutive losses.
But as difficult as the situation is, the 58-year-old Ramos said that he’s doing his best to remain as collected as he can be so his task to steer the Elite will not be compromised.
“Hindi ko kontrolado yung mga ganiyan. I just have to accept yung sitwasyon na nae-encounter ko. I’m just trying my best not to be bothered and just focus in our everyday practices, yung trabaho, para mag-prepare sa mga game,” he said.
“Kailangan isantabi mo para hindi ka maapektuhan.”
