MANILA, Philippines — American import George King hopes he could reinforce Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup this November.
The 30-year-old King is coming off an impressive stint with the Bossing after leading all imports in scoring with a per-game average of 40.29 points in seven games during the Governors' Cup. He also submitted 13.14 rebounds and 4.7 assists, while shooting 39.53 percent from four-point zone.
King helped the Bossing finish the Governors' Cup with a 5-5 record, tying the NLEX Road Warriors for fourth spot in Group B. But NLEX possessed a superior quotient, enabling the Jong Uichico-coached squad advance to the quarterfinals.
Before flying back to San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, the former Colorado standout met with Backwater big boss Dioceldo Sy and coach Jeff Cariaso to discuss his future with the team.
But King said he has yet to hear the Bossing management's response since he already sent his offer.
"I'm not sure, but I haven't signed with Blackwater. We're still negotiating. I'm waiting for the boss to accept my offer that I sent to the team. I haven't heard back from them. So I'm a free agent. Any team can grab me right now," King told the Manila Times in an overseas call.
The sweet-shooting American wingman clarified that a deal has not been made for his return to the Bossing for the Commissioner's Cup, where each team is allowed to bring in an import with no height restriction.
King said he remains hopeful that he could make a return stint with Blackwater, noting how he enjoyed playing for the team under Cariaso, and management.
The 59th overall pick of the Phoenix Suns in 2018 added that he'd like to help the Blackwater franchise reach a "respectable" level, similar to where Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer are at this point.
"And I can see the potential of doing something there. I wanna make that program as respectable as Ginebra and San Miguel, like one of the bigger clubs," he stressed.
"Competing with them on a consistent basis, I want to be with Blackwater in the next conference. I really enjoyed Manila. We just haven't had a deal done," added King.
Barring any hitches, King said he's ready to lead the Bossing for the mid-season conference even though he'll be giving up several inches against bigger imports.
"To be honest I've never played in a league we're the height is restricted until now," he said. "Every league I ever played in was unlimited height. It will be normal (for me)."
The energetic American also reiterated his desire to play for Gilas Pilipinas, even if he already saw action for Team USA during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Americans Qualifiers two years ago.
"There are many, many examples of guys who previously played for the United States, and now represent other countries. Eric gordon comes to mind currently," he said.
Gordon, the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2017, won a gold medal as a member of the NBA players-bannered Team USA during the 2010 FIBA World Cup in Turkey.
But in 2023, Gordon was able to represent Bahamas during the FIBA Americas Olympics Pre-Qualifiers in Argentina.
"My agent will be sending Dioceldo examples of that as well. That's not impossible, I am still eligible, and we will address that," shared King.
At the moment, Bennie Boatwright, who led San Miguel Beer to the Commissioner's Cup championship last season, is undergoing the naturalization process.
The Philippines currently has three naturalized players — Ange Kouame, Jordan Clarkson and Justin Brownlee.