![Chris Ortiz Blackwater PBA](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/11/PBA-Images10-1-620x413.jpg)
Blackwater imports Chris Ortiz.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – Blackwater got off to a winning start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, thanks in large part to the efforts of Chris Ortiz.
In his debut for the Bossing, Ortiz posted an all-around game with a double-double of 21 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks, much to the delight of coach Jeff Cariaso.
“I always imagined him (Ortiz) playing like he did tonight. What I mean is that it has to be versatile. Personally, I have never had such a versatile player as him, where he can score from almost anywhere on the field,” Cariaso said after the 103-84 victory.
‘He would be my first importer who has this kind of skills. It gives us a variety of things we can do, so we’re happy with his first game for us.
Ortiz is no stranger to professional play.
In fact, Ortiz was an unsung cog for Puerto Rico during its participation in the 2023 Fiba World Cup in Manila.
Although Ortiz wasn’t known as a star player for the Puerto Ricans, he still logged valuable minutes in the global league with averages of 7.2 points and 2.4 rebounds after five games.
However, the 6-foot-4 forward’s role for the national team will differ from his current run for Blackwater, Cariaso said.
“His role in our team is much bigger, so we ask a lot of him, but he is at the right age and has the experience and versatility to play and defend well.”
However, the experienced tactician did not deny that it was only the first game of the season for the Bossing and that there is still a lot of work to be done with Ortiz, who sank 10 of his 26 shots from the field.
“We still have a long way to go (we are still quite far away), we know we still have a lot of work to do.