Key Players and Matchup
Ricardo Ratliffe and George King headline the anticipated Magnolia-Blackwater game in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup. The match, set for Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, pits two standout returning imports. Ratliffe, a dominant force in the paint, returns to the league after a seven-year hiatus, while King, known for his scoring versatility, impressed as Blackwater’s reinforcement in the Governors’ Cup.
Tournament Context and Other Imports
This matchup highlights two of the five returning imports in the conference, alongside Justin Brownlee (Barangay Ginebra), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (TNT), and Cameron Clark (Hong Kong Eastern). San Miguel Beer’s import remains undecided.
Team Performances in the Governors’ Cup
- Magnolia Hotshots: Finished the Governors’ Cup with a 5-5 record, advancing as the fourth seed in Group A. Key players included veterans like Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, and Calvin Abueva, with support from rising talent Zavier Lucero. Their playoff run ended with a decisive Game Five loss to Rain or Shine.
- Blackwater Bossing: Despite the same 5-5 record, Blackwater failed to reach the playoffs, losing a tiebreaker to NLEX in Group B. King joined midseason and led the team to five wins in seven games, securing his return for the Commissioner’s Cup. He was supported by players such as Sedrick Barefield and James Kwekuteye.
Significance of the Match
This marks the first meeting between Magnolia and Blackwater since they were in different groups during the previous conference. Both teams aim to improve their standings as they kick off their campaigns with high expectations.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
