Blackwater beefs up

MANILA, Philippines — Fresh from signing veteran James Yap, the Bossing also acquired the rights to Rey Nambatac, Yap’s former teammate at Rain or Shine.

In exchange, the Ever Bilena franchise gave up its Season 49 first-round pick and Season 50 second-round selection, both received in previous swap deals with TNT.

The Nambatac-to-Blackwater trade received the green light from the PBA Commissioner’s Office yesterday.

Blackwater is out to bounce back from a disappointing, injury-riddled campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup, where it logged a solitary win against 10 losses.

Last week, the Jeff Cariaso-coached squad infused experience and star power with the entry of two-time MVP Yap, who got his release from ROS.

Not long after, Nambatac followed Yap out of the Elasto Painters’ camp.

The former Letran star is apparently displeased with his diminished minutes in the season-opening conference at ROS. From 25.9 minutes in the Season 47 Governors’ Cup, Nambatac’s playing time dwindled to 18.1 in coach Yeng Guiao’s rotation in the Season 48 Commissioner’s. His scoring output slid to 9.1 from the previous 13.7.

Aside from the Bossing, the Tropang Giga are reportedly interested in getting Nambatac.

It wasn’t all acquisition for Blackwater, though. The Bossing recently released starting playmaker Baser Amer after a contract impasse, paving the way for the former San Beda standout’s eventual signing by NLEX.

More movements may be coming in the next two weeks as teams beef up for the All-Filipino tournament that kicks off on Feb. 28.