Sedrick Barefield explains why he made the leap to the PBA

Blackwater rookie Sedrick Barefield. Photo from Rom Anzures, ABS-CBN News.

MANILA — The Blackwater Bossing will have the luxury of parading PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft second overall pick Sedrick Barefield in the upcoming Governors' Cup.

The Filipino-American, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Bossing, is expected to turn their fortunes around with their prized rookie heading the charge.

Contributing to this, bares Barefield, is how the Jeff Cariaso-coached team is currently doing well in their preparations and build-up for the import-laden conference which will open later this month.

"It's been great. We're 3-0 in tuneup games, so we're building chemistry and camaraderie," he said during the league's Media Day on Tuesday in Pasay City.

The 27-year-old also hailed Cariaso who is entering his second season with Blackwater.

"Coach Jeff is doing a great job for us, and I'm just super blessed and thankful to be getting ready for this season," said Barefield.

Coming off stints in the NBA G-League with Oklahoma City Blue as well as former PBA guest team Bay Area Dragons, the 6-foot-2 guard is looked at as one of the guards who can display admirable prowess in the upcoming season.

However, Barefield downplayed the expectations on him, and insisted that the only thing that he is looking to do is deliver for his new squad.

"The only expectation I try to focus on is what the team asks from me, and that is to win games each and every game," he emphasized.

"That's my main focus, going out there each night and being present to win games."

On the other hand, Barefield then went on to share how his past experiences, most specifically with Bay Area, played a factor in him joining the PBA. 

"Absolutely. The scrimmage with colleges and PBA teams made me familiar with the style of play of the Philippines," he said of the now-disbanded team's previous friendlies against Ateneo de Manila University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran in early 2023.

"That was a great intro, and that was maybe the most fun I've had playing basketball. It also made my decision a lot easier," he continued.

He also revealed some of the biggest reasons why he finally decided to go to the PBA.

"It was definitely part of the plan and has been in the works for a while. It's also just the stability and the love that I've received — it made the decision to play easy," he shared.