Blackwater import Chris Ortiz.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Blackwater bought off to a profitable begin PBA Commissioner’s Cup, thanks largely to import Chris Ortiz’s efforts.

In his debut for the Bossing, Ortiz recorded an all-around sport with a double-double of 21 factors, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks a lot to the delight of coach Jeff Cariaso.

“I’ve all the time imagined him (Ortiz) to play the best way he did tonight. What I imply is for him to be versatile. Me personally, I’ve by no means had an import as versatile as he’s whereby he can rating from just about anyplace from the court docket,” mentioned Cariaso after the 103-84 win.

“He’d be my first import to have these sorts of abilities. It offers us a wide range of issues we will accomplish that we’re joyful together with his first sport for us.”

Ortiz isn’t a stranger to skilled play.

The truth is, Ortiz was an unsung cog for Puerto Rico in its stint within the 2023 Fiba World Cup in Manila.

Whereas not dubbed as a star participant for the Puerto Ricans, Ortiz nonetheless chipped in precious minutes within the world competitors with averages of seven.2 factors and a couple of.4 rebounds after 5 video games.

The 6-foot-8 ahead’s position for the nationwide group, nonetheless, will differ from his present run for Blackwater, mentioned Cariaso.

“His position on our group is much more so we’re asking quite a bit from him however he’s on the proper age the place he has expertise and flexibility to play and defend nicely.”

The veteran tactician, although, didn’t dismiss the truth that it was simply the Bossing’s first sport of the season and a variety of work nonetheless needs to be carried out with Ortiz, who sank 10 of his 26 photographs from the sphere.

“Malayo pa tayo (we’re nonetheless fairly distant), we all know we nonetheless have a variety of work to be carried out.”