Don't drink the (Black)water

"Hurricane" Heruela needs
to takeover
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

If you were to tell us at the start of the PBA season, with all things considered, that Kia Sorento would have more wins (one) than Blackwater Elite we would've trolled you from Manila all the way to Muscat in person or on social media.

Seriously, a team of low-ranked players coached by a non-basketball mind in Manny Pacquiao can't possibly have more victories on its present day record than a team that already has a proven winning basketball tradition, legit coaching staff and players who were under-utilized more than undeserving to be in the PBA. A news report came out the other day that the team owner, Mr. Dioceldo Sy, was willing to fork over whatever he must if only to buy out some of the players on the roster if it meant improving their chances of winning.

That's how bad the situation has come for the 0 wins and 9 losses Elite.

PBA Dispersal Draft: Blackwater Elite

Back to main man status for Nuyles?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

The Blackwater Elite are here to compete.

Coach Leo Isaac and co. went into the PBA Dispersal Draft with clear direction and purpose, opting to tab names who are ready to contribute and make a name for themselves in the PBA (if they haven't already).

Drafted by the Elite are: Danny Ildefonso, Alex Nuyles, JR Cawaling, Eddie Laure, Bryan Faundo, JP Erram, Paul Artadi, Gilbert Bulawan, Bambam Gamalinda, Chris Timberlake, Norman Gonzales and Bobby Celiz.

Based on the names above, our projected starting five are: PG Artadi SG Nuyles SF Cawaling PF Faundo C Ildefonso

Paul Artadi to Meralco

Unlike his kumpare James, Artadi has been traded
numerous times in his pro career

As approved by the PBA Commissioner's Office, Paul Artadi has been traded to the Meralco Bolts for Chico Lanete. Where this latest acquisition of the Bolts goes, nobody knows for sure other than the fact that Artadi will be reunited with former Purefoods/ BMeg coach Ryan Gregorio.

At the Bolts camp, Artadi will presumably be playing behind star Sol Mercado (who masquerades as a Derrick Rose-like power point guard) and even Fil-Am Chris Ross (and just a hairline in front of Chris Timberlake). There's no question that based on the four point guards' collective reps alone, Gregorio is looking for his team to run (perhaps after the Powerade protoype).

Now if only they could get Jason Ballesteros to bulk up and quit being timid in the paint.

As for the Barako Bulls and Chico Lanete- well, he'll either put up solid numbers as Willie Miller's back-up, or even an eventual starter once the Lina-owned franchise go back to their old ways and trade vets for cash.