Blackwater appoints Patrick Aquino as interim head coach after Jeffrey Cariaso’s exit

The Blackwater Bossing are in the midst of yet another difficult campaign in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, as the franchise continues to struggle for consistency and results. Through their first five outings, the Bossing have managed just a single victory, leaving them languishing in 11th place in the standings and facing an uphill climb toward playoff contention.

Their already challenging situation took a significant turn over the weekend with the departure of head coach Jeffrey Cariaso. Initially reported as a resignation, the move effectively ends Cariaso’s stint with the team before the completion of the three-year contract he signed in April 2023. The development adds another layer of uncertainty to a squad still trying to find its identity midway through the conference.

In response, Blackwater management moved quickly to stabilize the team, appointing longtime assistant coach Patrick Aquino as interim head coach. Aquino wasted no time stepping into his new role, conducting his first practice session on Saturday, April 11, with a focus on implementing adjustments and familiarizing the players with his system.

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“Yes it is confirmed I’m being assigned as interim coach. Just want to thank boss Dioceldo Sy for the opportunity. And I hope we can improve something,” Aquino said in a media interaction.

Aquino brings with him a wealth of experience and a decorated coaching résumé. He previously served as a Blackwater assistant from 2014 to 2019 and returned to the role from 2022 until his recent promotion. Beyond the PBA, Aquino is widely respected for his success in the collegiate and international scenes. He guided National University to a remarkable six consecutive UAAP women’s basketball titles from 2014 to 2019 and has been instrumental in the rise of Gilas Pilipinas Women. Under his leadership, the national team captured gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games in 2019, 2021, and 2025, while also earning promotion to Level 1 of the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship—a historic milestone for the program.

NEW COACH FOR BOSSING

Patrick Aquino confirms he has been assigned as Blackwater Bossing interim coach, replacing Jeff Cariaso.

“Just wanted to thank boss Dioceldo Sy for the opportunity. And hope we we can improve some things,” he said in a message to ABS-CBN News. (📸: FIBA) pic.twitter.com/Pj9peVfj2H

— Paige Javier (@PaigeJavier) April 11, 2026

While Aquino begins his interim tenure with a focus on improvement and evaluation, Cariaso addressed the circumstances surrounding his exit, clarifying that the separation was not a unilateral decision.

“Effective today, I conclude my tenure as head coach of Blackwater Bossing, following discussions with management and mutual decision to move in different directions. 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,” he wrote in a post.

“This was one of the most challenging career assignments of my coaching career, and it was met with full commitment and the clear intention to see it through. I stand by the work we put in, the standards we upheld, and the professionalism we maintained throughout.

“My sincere thanks to Boss Dioceldo Sy, Boss Silliman Sy, and the rest of the management for the opportunity and their trust. I leave with respect for the organization and wish the players and the team continued strength and success,” he concluded.

Despite the coaching change, the reality remains stark for Blackwater. With only one win to their name and several teams ahead in the standings, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Still, the remainder of the conference offers Aquino an opportunity to evaluate the roster, instill discipline, and potentially lay the groundwork for future campaigns.

The Bossing will next take the floor against the formidable TNT Tropang Giga on Tuesday, April 14, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The matchup presents a daunting challenge, but also a chance for Blackwater to reset under new leadership and show signs of progress as they attempt to salvage pride in a difficult Commissioner’s Cup run.

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