SMB BENCHWARMER TROY MALLILLIN WILL GET CHANCE AT BLACKWATER: CARIASO

BLACKWATER coach Jeff Cariaso is optimistic that Troy Mallillin will take advantage of the opportunity after being signed by the Bossing ahead of the PBA Philippine Cup.

Mallillin was sparingly used in his time with San Miguel where he only played two games and a grand total of eight minutes for the Beermen during his final conference with the team in the 2024 Philippine Cup.

Mallilin can expect to get his minutes at Blackwater.

READ Blackwater signs SMB unrestricted free agent Troy Mallillin

"Sometimes players just need an opportunity. We feel this could be one of those times," said Cariaso.

Mallillin was drafted No. 35 in the Season 48 draft by San Miguel, but was mostly left to rot at the end of the bench. He was relegated to the unrestricted free agent with rights to salary (UFAWR2RS).

Though he was rarely used during games, the Bossing saw something in the 6-foot-4 Mallillin on closer look, feeling his skillset needed especially with them playing without their explosive scorer George King in the all-Filipino wars.

PHOTO: PBA Media Bureau

Cariaso said they will mainly lean on Mallillin’s energy especially on defense with his position where some of the stars in the PBA are playing.

"We feel Troy has a very high upside because he plays with lots of energy on both ends of the court. We see him as that additional wing defender that we need with good skills on offense," said Cariaso of the former Ateneo college player.

2025-03-23T12:10:49Z