Ricky Ledo still has Blackwater’s vote of confidence despite a rough PBA debut in their loss to Rain or Shine in the Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Tuesday.
The former NBA player finished with only 12 points and eight rebounds in 37 minutes, shooting just 4-of-23 from the floor, including 0-for-5 from the four-point arc in a tough shooting night.
Bossing head coach Jeff Cariaso didn’t offer any excuses for his import but suggested that frustration may have played a role in Ledo’s struggles.
“I think what hurt him a little bit tonight was he allowed frustration to get the best of him,” Cariaso said moments after the game at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Early, hindi siya maka-shoot masyado, or he wasn’t able to attack early, he became frustrated, and allowed that to carry himself throughout the game — and it carried him throughout the game.”
Ledo did struggle early, missing his first 12 shots before finally making his first field goal in the third quarter. But he never found his rhythm, finishing the night with two triples, two two-pointers, and a perfect 2-for-2 from the foul line.
Despite the poor performance, Cariaso remains confident in Ledo’s ability to bounce back in their next game against NLEX on Thursday.
“I expect Ricky to come out and be better in the next games. No excuses for him. He needs to be better. That’s for sure. So does everyone else,” Cariaso said.
“That’s growth from him, that he needs to develop and get better. But like I said, there’s still trust and belief in him,” the seasoned coach added.
“We know that he’s gonna come out and be better next time.”
