MANILA – Blackwater Bossing added size to its frontline by picking up free agent center John Ambulodto ahead of the resumption of the 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Bossing head coach Ariel Vanguardia said the former St. Clare Saints big man was given a playing contract after making a strong impression when he served as Blackwater’s practice player.
“John was previously our practice player and he’s been practicing very well, holding his ground against Barkley (Eboña) and Will (McAloney),” Vanguardia said in an interview with PBA Rush.
Added the veteran bench tactician: “(John) is already finished his commitments with the Manila Stars (in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League), so we rewarded his hard work with a contract.”
A Lambayog, Sultan Kudarat native, Ambulodto actually joined the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft but was not selected by any teams, leading him to try his luck in other leagues like PBA Developmental League and the MPBL.
Apart from Ambulodto, the Bossing also re-signed Eboña to a two-year extension and veteran guards Baser Amer, Joseph Evans Casio and Paul Desiderio to separate one-year deals.
“They are part of the players we intend to keep since we are expecting four draft picks for next season,” Vanguardia said.
While there were some renewals and new pickups, the Bossing, meanwhile, have parted ways with veteran three-point gunner Rommel Nino Canaleta and center Frank Golla.
Canaleta and Golla were not extended with contract extensions by the Blackwater management, giving them a free hand to move to title contender teams.
The Bossing are currently in search of their first win in the 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup after losing their first five games. The squad also has an ongoing 24-game losing skid that started in 2020./PN
