PBA: ‘Versatile’ Chris Ortiz wows Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso

Blackwater import Chris Ortiz.–PBA IMAGES

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

In his debut for the Bossing, Ortiz recorded an all-around recreation 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 at all times imagined him (Ortiz) to play the way in which 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 anywhere from the court docket,” stated Cariaso after the 103-84 win.

“He’d be my first import to have these sorts of abilities. It provides us a wide range of issues we will accomplish that we’re glad together with his first recreation 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 worthwhile 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 function for the nationwide group, nonetheless, will differ from his present run for Blackwater, stated Cariaso.

“His function 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 properly.”

The veteran tactician, although, didn’t dismiss the truth that it was simply the Bossing’s first recreation of the season and numerous work nonetheless needs to be accomplished with Ortiz, who sank 10 of his 26 pictures from the sphere.

“Malayo pa tayo (we’re nonetheless fairly distant), we all know we nonetheless have numerous work to be accomplished.”