Blackwater is set to welcome new bloods in rookies James Kwekuteye and Archie Concepcion in the coming days at the close of the MPBL Season
The Bossing are in dire need of help after losing their last five games since opening PBA Season 48 with a 103-84 win against the Converge FiberXers.
"James has signed for two years already while Archie has agreed for one year in principle," Blackwater team governor Silliman Sy told the Manila Times on Wednesday.
Both freshmen won't be seeing action yet for Blackwater this Wednesday against league-leader Magnolia as the Bossing didn't make any lineup changes yet.
But the two incoming rookies are expected to reinforce the Blackwater side moving forward. "(The two rookies will get) Good mentoring from our veteran point guards and good culture development from our coach," Sy said, as team management welcomed Kwekuteye and Concepcion who will bring in youth, and speed for Blackwater, a team in transition under new coach Jeff Cariaso.
"The team is not doing well now but we have high hopes and confidence with our coach. We should feel the difference in the next conference," he added.
Kwekuteye, the team's 20th selection in the second round of the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft last September, closed his collegiate career by helping lead the San Beda Red Lions to the NCAA Season 98 seniors basketball Final Four where he averaged 15.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals to earn a spot in the Mythical Team.
The Fil-Canadian scorer easily adds instant offense for the Bossing that will help veterans Troy Rosario, JVee Casio and young guard RK Ilagan.
On the other hand, Concepcion, the Bossing's 37th overall pick, who was named Most Valuable Player of the PBA Draft Combine, adds depth at the backcourt.
Kwekuteye was a key member of the Bacoor Strikers, who placed second behind the Giant Lanterns that had Concepcion in the team.