PBA: Jeffrey Cariaso confirms Blackwater exit but clears air on 'resignation'

While he did not categorize it as a resignation, Jeffrey Cariaso is no longer Blackwater's head coach. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Jeffrey Cariaso has let go of his role as head coach of Blackwater.

The PBA Greatest Players member confirmed on Saturday that he had already left the team after a dismal start to its Commissioner's Cup campaign.

However, Cariaso clarified that he did not directly resign from his post.

"Effective today, I conclude my tenure as head coach of the Blackwater Bossing following discussions with management and a mutual decision to move in different directions. I would like to clear any speculation that I resigned. I have always believed that the more demanding the path, the greater the responsibility to stay the course. I have always approached my work with that conviction, grounded in competitiveness and character," Cariaso said in a statement.

He came on as the Bossing's head coach three years ago, but under his watch, they went 17-49 and never made the playoffs.

The closest was when they went 5-5 last year in the PBA Governors' Cup, but it was still not enough to make the quarterfinals.

They started this conference 1-4, and their record-setting blowout loss to the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters and a shock loss to the Titan Ultra Giants Risers afterward were the last straw that convinced the team management to move on from Cariaso.

Despite the struggles, Cariaso said that he had no regrets coaching the Ever Bilena franchise.

"This was one of the most challenging assignments of my coaching career, and it was met with full commitment and the clear intention to see it through. I stand by the work we put in, the standards we upheld, and the professionalism we maintained throughout," he continued.

Cariaso concluded, "I leave with respect for the organization and wish the players and the team continued strength and success."

Former Gilas Pilipinas women's head coach Pat Aquino was assigned as Blackwater's interim coach beginning on Tuesday night against TNT.