“Still the same kind of game style”: Blackwater Bossing import Daniel Ochefu on PBA comeback

The Blackwater Bossing have pulled off a noteworthy acquisition in their bid to climb up the standings in the upcoming 2025–26 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, securing former National Basketball Association (NBA) big man Daniel Ochefu as their import for the mid‑season conference.

At 6‑foot‑11 and 32 years old, Ochefu brings a rare blend of size, experience and athleticism to the Bossing roster. While Blackwater has struggled for consistency in recent seasons, the addition of a seasoned international big man signals the franchise’s intent to be more competitive in the import‑laden portion of the PBA schedule.

Ochefu is no stranger to Philippine basketball circles. He first drew local attention when he suited up for the TNT Tropang Giga as a late replacement import during the 2023 East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions Week in Japan. Though flashes of his physicality and skill were evident, the Tropang Giga ultimately fell short of a Final Four berth in that outing.

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His familiarity with Philippine hoops goes back even further. Ochefu was originally tapped by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters under then‑coach Chris Gavina as their import for the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup, but he was released before the tournament began when coaching philosophies shifted under new head coach Yeng Guiao. That experience underscored just how much a coach’s system can influence import decisions in the PBA.

Daniel Ochefu on being the import of the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/VXn1Caf7iU

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Now back on Philippine shores and eager to make his mark, the Baltimore‑native has expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to Blackwater’s campaign. “I have been here for like a week, so I’m getting to learn all the players, everybody’s getting to learn me, so it’s been cool so far,” Ochefu said in a media interaction, highlighting the adjustment process and his growing comfort within the team setup.

Reflecting on his past PBA experience, he added, “I think that was a little different because I had another import playing with me at the same time. But it’s still the same kind of game style and stuff like that.”

Ochefu’s professional journey is a testament to perseverance. After going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, he earned a spot with the Washington Wizards through the Las Vegas Summer League and made his NBA debut during the 2016–17 season. Although his time in the league was limited — including a brief stint with the Wizards — the experience of competing at the sport’s highest level has informed his journey across global leagues.

Since leaving the NBA, Ochefu has built a true international résumé, showcasing his talents across multiple countries and competitive environments. His professional stops have included spells in Spain, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Lebanon, Venezuela, Taiwan, Mongolia and Syria — experience that he now brings to Blackwater as the Bossing prepare for one of the most important stretches of their season.

With no height restrictions in place for the Commissioner’s Cup, teams are increasingly turning to big, physical imports to bolster their inside presence, and Blackwater’s decision to tap Ochefu reflects that trend.

As the Bossing gear up for their mid‑season campaign, all eyes will be on how Ochefu’s blend of NBA pedigree, international experience and physical dominance translates into results on the court. For a franchise eager to rise out of the lower rungs of the standings, his performance could be a defining factor in their quest for respectability in the season’s next chapter. 

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