Cariaso credits veterans Rosario, Yap

MANILA, Philippines: Blackwater zoomed to a 2-0 start in the opening week of the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, an unfamiliar territory for a team that has always figured at the bottom of the standings for a big part of the franchise’s existence in the pro league.

Cariaso credits veterans Rosario, Yap

But first year coach Jeff Cariaso gives credit to whom credit is due. And that credit he gives to his veterans, particularly forward Troy Rosario and two-time league Most Valuable Player James Yap.

The 6-foot-6 Rosario averaged 17.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in Blackwater’s first two games, helping the Dioceldo Sy-owned squad beat Meralco, 96-93 and perennial title contender TNT, 87-76.

Cariaso described Rosario as a “stud”, perfect for the team to build a winning culture on.

“Troy, he’s our stud. He’s our main man. He knows that. How we do and how we perform, how well we do is on his shoulders. There are one or two guys in almost every team that has that responsibility and for Blackwater he’s that guy,” Cariaso said.

With the injuries he’s had from the past season basically behind him, the former National University standout has been at the forefront of the Bossing’s upsurge to begin the All-Filipino conference.

The Blackwater mentor also took note of Rosario’s unquestionable work ethic, which again, is needed to infect a team that has a number of young players, who are still in need of experience and role models.

“(By) bringing the effort, he’s the man that helps us in regards to the culture we’re trying to build. His work ethic is beyond comparable, and to him it has to be a normal game,” stressed Cariaso, an eight-time PBA champion as player, and four-time champion as an assistant coach in the pro league.

On the other hand, Cariaso is also glad to have the 6-foot-2 Yap make his own presence felt for the team.

While “Big Game James” at 42, no longer has the speed to keep up with the many young and talented players in the league, what he lacks this season, he’s made up through experience and leadership, which he provides for the Bossing.

“The purpose for all 12 teams is, we are trying to win a championship. And it doesn’t change for us, and so, to bring in a player like James and to understand what it takes to win, that’s what’s important, to have guys like him within in your locker room, sharing what it takes to be in that next level, play in a high level, with the experience he has,” explained the 51-year-old Cariaso.

“Every advice he gives to players on preparation, and the small advice he gives during the course of the game, that’s very valuable, very crucial for us. We got to have that. If you want to build a winning culture, you need guys like that,” he added.

Yap averaged 11 minutes during his first two games for the Bossing, logging in 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds.

He is in his first year with the Blackwater franchise, since spending the last seven seasons with Rain or Shine.

The 42-year-old long-time PBA superstar is now in his 18th season in the league.