Jeffrey Cariaso sees Sedrick Barefield as 'game-changer' for Blackwater

Sedrick Barefield could be what Blackwater needs according to coach Jeffrey Cariaso. EASL (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Blackwater seemed to have hit a jackpot after drafting Sedrick Barefield with the second overall pick of the PBA Draft.

According to coach Jeffrey Cariaso, the six-foot-two combo guard has been on his team's radar for quite some time.

"Barefield is someone we've been looking at since Day 1. We're happy that he applied for the draft because we know he's going to be a game-changer," Cariaso said after the draft proceedings at the Glorietta Activity Center last week.

Barefield's declaration for the draft was two years in the making as he missed out on the deadline for submitting necessary documents for Fil-foreign players during the 2022 edition.

He then surprisingly passed on the 2023 draft after signing with the Taipei Fubon Braves in the P.League+ and the EASL.

Now, the Bossing will get a chance to see what Barefield, who according to some of his friends as relayed to Cariaso is a "good locker room guy."

"[He is a] hard worker, coachable, good locker room guy, and obviously the court stuff is something that's undeniable, so we're happy that we're able to get him," Cariaso said.

Barefield is expected to arrive in the Philippines this week and will quickly meet with Blackwater's higher-ups to discuss his role with the team.

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