MANILA, Philippines — Jeff Cariaso shared in an official statement on Saturday that his decision to leave Blackwater was based on “discussions with management and a mutual decision to move in different directions.”
The amiable Cariaso stepped away from the Bossing’s head coaching post just five games into the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup where the team limped to another slow start at 1-4.
"I would like to clear any speculation that I resigned. I have always believed that the more demanding the path, the greater the responsibility to stay the course. I have always approached my work with that conviction, grounded in competitiveness and character," Cariaso said in a statement he released to the public on Saturday.
"This was one of the most challenging assignments of my coaching career, and it was met with full commitment, and the clear intention to see it through.” The Bossing have lost their last two games, which included a massive 151-95 blowout defeat at the hands of league-leader Rain or Shine just before the league took a Holy Week break.
The 56-point win by ROS eclipsed the previous 55-point margin, a 154-99 victory set by U/Tex over Great Taste on July 12, 1980, during the Open Conference semifinals.
Cariaso came in as the team’s new coach in 2023 when he took the spot vacated by Ariel Vanguardia.
Under his watch, the Bossing managed to draft their young core of big man Christian David and Sedrick Barefield, who are both no. 2 selections in the Season 48 and Season 49 PBA Rookie Draft.
The Season 50 Draft also saw Blackwater nab former Gilas youth guard Dalph Panopio. Cariaso’s stint though couldn’t somehow right the ship for Blackwater as he concluded with an aggregate of just 17 wins as opposed to 49 losses.
The 53-year-old Cariaso, a member of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players, stressed that he and his coaching staff gave their all for the Bossing amid the challenges.
"I stand by the work we put in, the standards we upheld, and the professionalism we maintained throughout," stressed Cariaso, who also had previous head coaching stints with Barangay Ginebra, Alaska and later, Converge.
"Effective today (April 11), I concluded my tenure as head coach of Blackwater Bossing following discussions with management and a mutual decision to move in different directions."
Cariaso also took the time to thank the top-level Blackwater management led by team owner Dioceldo Sy and team governor Silliman Sy, for the chance to coach the team.
"My sincere thanks to Boss Dioceldo Sy, Boss Silliman Sy, and the rest of the management team for the opportunity and trust," he added. "I leave with respect for the organization and wish the players and the team continued strength and success.”