Blackwater squad sees a level playing field as other teams announced some players will sit out in the upcoming season. 

“San Miguel and Ginebra not having big men gives us (Blackwater) and everybody else a good chance (of winning),” team owner Dioceldo Sy said who planned to sell the franchise out, but upon hearing big men, Fajardo and Slaughter’s absences sees great opportunity for the team. 

The five-time MVP Fajardo is still recovering from a shin injury that had happened in the pre-season against San Miguel. 

On the other hand, superstar Slaughter remains in the US after not renewing a contract with the Gin Kings. 

Sy believed that it would be a fair game to all ends in competing for the all-Filipino championship plum. 

Thrilled more than ever, Sy expects a higher chance of grabbing the Philippine Cup as he assesses how the conference game proceedings will likely be. 

“I have high hopes for Blackwater to do good in the bubble,” said Sy after a pre-departure meeting with his coaching staff at the Ever Bilena head office.

“Now is our biggest chance to contend,” Sy added. 

With a new name ‘Bossing’ to live up, the former Elite is expecting to step up in the cage war as teams will battle it all up following a six-month hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Blackwater had also entered a new head coach Nash Racela, who helped FEU claim the men’s championship title in 2015. 

The Blackwater’s key player Mac Belo is all-set to lead the squad, while the team secured 6-foot-9 Maurice Shaw who was the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft and tapped in young partners Jonjon Gabriel and Marion Magat. 

“We have a solid group and lots of firepower,” said Sy. 

Sy accepts the challenge that Magnolia and Rain or Shine will be the best fit contenders for his team. 

“RoS matibay, and Magnolia, too,” he said.