Blackwater interim head coach Pat Aquino. FIBA Media
MANILA – Longtime assistant coach Patrick Aquino will be calling the shots for Blackwater Bossing in the interim.
This, in the wake of Jeffrey Cariaso's resignation as head coach.
"Yes it is confirm[ed] I'm being assigned as interim coach," Aquino told ABS-CBN News.
In a report on the PBA website, the Bossing held its first practice with Aquino on Saturday in a bid to get used to the system of the former Gilas Pilipinas Women coach.
"Just want to thank boss Dioceldo Sy for the opportunity. And [I] hope we can improve somethings," Aquino said.
He has long been with the Ever Bilena organization, playing for the men's team before coaching the women's squad in the now-defunct Philippine Basketball League.
Aquino is also part of the Blackwater coaching staff in the PBA, later steering National University to six straight UAAP championships from 2014 to 2019.
He likewise led Gilas Pilipinas Women to three Southeast Asian Games gold medals and the team's promotion to Level 1 of the FIBA Asia Women's Championship.
READ: Pat Aquino 'concludes' role as Gilas Women's coach; SBP in search of new mentor
Aquino will be immediately tested in the PBA 50 Commissioner's Cup, when Blackwater faces the TNT Tropang 5G on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
CARIASO AIRS SIDE
Former Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso. PBA Media
Cariaso shared a statement on his exit from Blackwater, clarifying reports that he resigned from his post.
"Effective today, I conclude my tenure as head coach of Blackwater Bossing, following discussions with management and a mutual decision to move in different directions," Cariaso wrote on his Instagram.
"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," he explained.
Cariaso was named Blackwater head coach in April 2023, replacing Ariel Vanguardia, who led the team to a 1-10 record in the Governor's Cup.
"This was one of the most challenging career assignments of my coaching career, and it was met with full commitment and the clear intention to see it through," Cariaso said.
"I stand by the work we put in, the standards we upheld, and the professionalism we maintained throughout," he added.
READ: Titan Ultra fends off Blackwater for bounce-back win
Cariaso ended his statement by expressing gratitude to Blackwater management for the three years he served as the team's coach.
"My sincere thanks to Boss Dioceldo Sy, Boss Silliman Sy, and the rest of the management for the opportunity and their trust. I leave with respect for the organization and wish the players and the team continued strength and success," he said.
Cariaso coached his last game for Blackwater last Wednesday, when they fell to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 102-98.
The Bossing currently hold a 1-4 record in the PBA 50 Commissioner's Cup.