Dalph Panopio admitted that his Blackwater debut was far from perfect, but he believes the experience offered valuable lessons as the Bossing gear up for the PBA’s 50th season.
The rookie guard’s first tune-up game ended in a tough 96-77 loss to Converge on Saturday at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong. Panopio showed flashes of his court vision and playmaking, but his shooting was streaky, making it a mixed outing overall.
“I think it went really well in terms of showing us what we need to work on,” said the third overall pick in this year’s Rookie Draft. “The score didn’t go our way, but it was a wake-up call. The good thing is, after the game, we understood what we have to improve. Personally, I need to step up. It was a rough start, but things got better in the second half. My teammates really pushed me and kept me going.”
Despite the defeat, Panopio welcomed the challenge of facing Converge, viewing it as an important early test in his adjustment to the pro level. Born to Filipino parents in Italy, the former Batang Gilas standout is determined to raise his game as he settles into his new role.
One anticipated highlight of the preseason—the backcourt pairing of Panopio and Sedrick Barefield—had to wait. Barefield sat out the exhibition match as he continued to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during the Kadayawan Invitational in Davao City. He is expected to return in time for the season opener on October 5.
“Even if he wasn’t playing, he was still guiding me from the bench. That really helped,” Panopio said. “This team has a great group of guys, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”