Despite having no first-round pick in last Sunday's PBA Rookie Draft, Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy feels very satisfied with the Bossing's rookie picks as they continue their build up for the 2021 season.
The Bossing nabbed 6-foot-7 former Southwestern U big man Rey Mark Acuno and ex-La Salle guard Joshua Torralba with the 14th and 15th picks in the second round, before landing Andre Paras in the third round.
While Acuno can bring size for Blackwater and Torralba could provide energy and youth in the backcourt, Sy is elated with the fact they got Paras, the older son of former PBA two-time MVP Benjie Paras in the draft.
"For me, Andre might just be the biggest steal in this year draft. He's a sound rebounder and defender," Sy told ESPN5 shortly after the annual rookie draft on Sunday.
The long-time sportsman-businessman believes even if Paras just stands at 6-foot-4, he is capable of banging bodies and can work well in forming a bruising front court alongside newly-acquired forward David Semerad.
Semerad landed at Blackwater following a three-team trade that involved TNT and NLEX last week.
"Definitely, he can work hand-in-hand with Semerad," added Sy.
Paras posted decent numbers during the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup after averaging 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest while playing for AMA Online Education. He also suited up for the Imus squad in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Asked if they got the players they wanted as they continue to rebuild, Sy responded in the affirmative: "Yes, they (rookies drafted) are our targets."
The Bossing, mentored by Nash Racela, went on a drafting frenzy since the second round as they also selected Kim Bayquin, and Jeson Delfinado in the later rounds.
Blackwater has a lot of catching up to do though after trading their three veteran gunners in Mark Belo, Don Trollano and Ron Sumang this offseason.
But the Bossing can build the team around Baser Amer, the former Meralco Bolt star whom they acquired in the Mac Belo trade, along with mainstay Mike Tolomia and Ed Daquioag.