MANILA, Philippines — Blackwater is determined to finally shed off its mediocre tag in the PBA.

And why not, considering that the Bossing underwent manpower add-ons, starting with the entry of no. 2 overall rookie pick Sedrick Barefield.

The entry of the Filipino-American guard former University of Utah standout easily bolsters the team's backcourt, assuring the Bossing a reliable scorer and facilitator.

But these days, outside Barefield's major addition, coach Jeffrey Cariaso is also happy to have import Ricky Ledo, who he believes is a perfect fit because of his do-it-all attitude.

"Ricky's adjusting well. We haven't heard him complain about the heat which is good since from Day 1, he has acclimated himself to the team, extending himself

to the players, his teammates," Cariaso told the Manila Times.

The Milwaukee Bucks' 43rd overall pick in the 2013 NBA Rookie Draft is bringing in tons of pro basketball experience to a Bossing franchise that is coming off another moribund performance in the 2023-24 PBA season, since it only only won five times as opposed to 17 losses.

"He's expected to do a lot being our import," added Cariaso of Ledo, who played for the Dallas Mavericks in 2014 and 2015, before moving on to play for the New York Knicks where he averaged an NBA career-best 7.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the 2015 season.

"I think he's pretty much a wing guy, a three-spot player, and we look at him as an opportunity to kind of use him the way Ginebra uses Justin Brownlee," shared the amiable Blackwater mentor.

"There are times he can slide to 4 spot, given his skill sets also and so that's how we look at him. We hope to put him in a good position and showcase what he can do," he added.

Ledo won't have to do things all by himself since he also has veteran Justin Chua, Troy Rosario and offseason acquisition Jewel Ponferada helping him at the frontcourt, along with incoming sophomore forward Christian David.

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