Blackwater guard RK Ilagan in action against Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup, July 11, 2026 at the Ynares Center in Montalban. PBA Media
MANILA -- Blackwater got plenty of heroes in its upset of Rain or Shine to open its campaign in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup -- including guard RK Ilagan.
After a long layoff, Ilagan delivered 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in their 131-108 triumph over the Elasto Painters on Sunday.
His effort earned him the nod as the first PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the season-ending conference.
"Very happy for him because I know the talent is there, it's just how he composes himself going through his first game," coach Pat Aquino said after inserting Ilagan into the starting lineup. "I just gave him the time and confidence to show his talent and it's a great comeback for him."
The strong showing of the 29-year-old guard came after being out of action since April with a knee issue.
Blackwater's win avenged its record 56-point loss to Rain or Shine in the Commissioner's Cup, with import Kentrell Barkley and Sedrick Barefield also responsible for the result.
Barefield was also in the running for the weekly honor given by Press Corps members after scoring 24 in the victory.
Also given consideration for the period of July 10 to 12 were NLEX's Kevin Alas and Phoenix's Jason Perkins.