Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso believes that the team can make do with what it presently has following the departure of Josh Torralba overseas.
The Bossing lost the wide-bodied winger to the Korean Basketball League (KBL) just recently, but the seasoned mentor offered that he has enough guards and wingers at his disposal, all capable of stepping up and filling in the gap.
Plus, there’s the PBA Season 48 Rookie Draft in October, where the club is looking to get the best available talent to use their no. 2 overall pick.
“With regards to the guards and the wings on our team, we actually have a lot of guards. So, hindi tayo lacking,” he said moments after Blackwater’s 101-78 win over TNT for a triumphant end to its On Tour campaign, Sunday night.
“As we go into this draft, looking forward and expecting a lot of the good guys to come out also,” Cariaso furthered.
Torralba, 29, deemed it best to take his talents to South Korea by signing with new KBL club Sono Skygunners, who replaced the Goyang Carrot Jumpers.
It marked the end of his two-conference stint with the franchise, spoiling Cariaso’s excitement in mentoring the La Salle product as well.
“I was looking forward to him, kasi I told him from day one, very curious ako sa kanya.
“I’m excited to be here and to know them, and to see what we can get from him. But it’s tough, inabutan tayo ng expiration ng contract. With that expiration, he had opportunities to go elsewhere, and he chose to go elsewhere,” said the 50-year-old, who was hired last April.
Still, the former cager turned bench tactician only has nothing but kind words for Torralba, as he totally understands — and respects — his decision.
“We wish him well, and we hope for nothing but the best,” said Cariaso.
“Maayos naman ‘yung pag-ano sa amin — the way he explained things, the way he spoke to us after. Nothing but blessings for him. Good luck to him.”
