Blackwater sign former NBA big man Daniel Ochefu as their import for Commissioner’s Cup

The Daniel Ochefu buzz has finally materialized into reality for the Blackwater Bossing, as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) franchise pulls out all stops in its bid to compete at the highest level in the upcoming 2025-26 Commissioner’s Cup. In a bold and strategic move, Blackwater has confirmed the signing of former National Basketball Association (NBA) big man Ochefu as their import, with the 6-foot-11 center touching down in Manila late Sunday, February 15.

According to team sources, Ochefu’s arrival from Guangzhou could see him suit up as early as Blackwater’s tune-up game this Tuesday. “He is arriving from Guangzhou, and baka maglaro sa tune-up game namin on Tuesday,” a source close to the team revealed, highlighting how decisive management has been in accelerating preparations around their new reinforcement.

The 32-year-old center is hardly a stranger to basketball fans here. Ochefu previously made an impression in local circles when he suited up for the TNT Tropang Giga during the 2023 East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions League, arriving as a late replacement for Prince Ibeh. Despite showing flashes of his physicality and experience, he was unable to steer the Tropang Giga into the Final Four in that outing.

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Ochefu’s familiarity with Philippine hoops goes even further back. He was originally tapped by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters under head coach Chris Gavina to serve as their import during the 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup. However, after Gavina’s departure, new head coach Yeng Guiao opted for a different type of player to fit his system, and Ochefu was subsequently released — a stark reminder of how coaching philosophies can shape roster decisions in the PBA.

Blackwater is bringing in American-born Nigerian Daniel Ochefu as its Comm’s Cup import. The 6’11 center played collegiately for Villanova and had a brief 19-game stint with the Washington Wizards before taking his act overseas.

Ochefu previously suited up for Tnt in the Easl. pic.twitter.com/xL7rZeeWH4

— PBA insider 🏀 (@PBAinsider) February 15, 2026

Before embarking on his global professional journey, Ochefu went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft. Undeterred, he took his shot in the Las Vegas Summer League with the Washington Wizards, where he impressed enough to earn a contract and make his NBA debut. Although his tenure in the league was limited — including a 19-game stint with the Wizards where he logged minimal minutes — the experience of competing at the highest level of basketball has informed his long and winding career.

After his time in the NBA, Ochefu embraced a true journeyman’s path, showcasing his talents across numerous leagues around the world. His extensive résumé includes stops in Spain, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Lebanon, Venezuela, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Syria, bringing a diverse set of skills and a wealth of experience to whichever court he steps on next.

For Blackwater, a franchise that has struggled in recent seasons and is eager to improve its stature in the league, the acquisition of a seasoned and physically commanding import like Ochefu signals a serious intent to compete. With no height restrictions now imposed for the Commissioner’s Cup, teams across the PBA have been adding size and experience — height that Blackwater hopes Ochefu can leverage to elevate their inside presence and overall competitiveness.

As the Bossing gear up for their mid-season campaign, all eyes will be on Ochefu to see if his blend of NBA pedigree and international experience can translate into wins and help Blackwater break free from the lower rungs of the standings.

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