Jeff Cariaso and Blackwater are still getting to know each other, but the seasoned mentor feels pleased with the progress he has seen so far.
The new Bossing head coach praised the team’s adaptation to the kind of culture he wants to build, especially after witnessing their performance in their PBA On Tour assignment against San Miguel Beer on Sunday night.
He rejoined the club after spending two months in the States to fulfill prior commitments and received a triumphant welcome with a 103-101 victory.
“Culture-wise, we are trying to do things a little differently. We want to incorporate my flavor, my preferred way of doing things. So far, the team is responding,” he said shortly after the game at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
As the franchise’s sixth chief mentor, Cariaso faces the challenging task of turning the team’s fortunes around. Since becoming one of the league’s expansion teams in 2014, they have experienced little success.
He is well aware of the challenge, though. Now, he has one simple request for the team and its top brass as they work together: patience.
“I think our initial conversation was really the key factor,” offered the former player turned bench tactician. “I’m not saying that I’m perfect or the best coach out there, but I want to bring in myself and my approach to how things should be done.
“I think, in the past, whether as a player or even as an assistant coach, I understand what it takes to win.
“I’m asking them to give me a little bit of space to impart my knowledge and share what I know with them,” he added.
So far, Cariaso has been given that leeway. It also helps that he has players who are familiar with his coaching style, as they have previously played for him in Alaska and Converge. Players like JVee Casio, Yousef Taha, Gab Banal, Rey Publico, RK Ilagan, Mike DiGregorio, and Tyrus Hill are at his disposal.
“They know me, they understand me,” he said. “They understand the expectations – how to approach each day, how to conduct themselves as professionals, how I want them to play together.”
With all these factors, Cariaso and his team are optimistic that Blackwater’s situation will improve over time.
“What’s nice to see, even after just eight games, is the understanding of teamwork. We are committed to making improvements here, not just changes. That’s really the goal,” he said.
“But we still have a long way to go,” he added. “We are still getting to know each other, both me getting to know them and them getting to know me. Time will always be a factor. Once we have more time together, I believe good things will happen.”
