Blackwater Bossing has made an underrated but potentially valuable signing by acquiring Troy Mallillin from San Miguel’s Unrestricted Free Agent with Rights to Receive Salary (UFAWR2RS) list. While Mallillin had limited opportunities with the powerhouse Beermen, this move could allow him to finally showcase his skills in a team that needs young talent.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Acquisition
By picking up Mallillin, Blackwater gets a player who:
✅ Still has potential – A former Ateneo recruit, he has the talent but was stuck in a deep SMB rotation.
✅ Comes at a low cost – As an UFAWR2RS player, San Miguel was still responsible for paying his salary, meaning Blackwater didn’t need to break the bank to get him.
✅ Fills a need – Blackwater is looking to build a stronger core and needs hungry, young players willing to prove themselves.
It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for Jeff Cariaso, who now has the chance to develop Mallillin into a solid rotation piece.
Why It Didn't Work Out at San Miguel
Mallillin was drafted 35th overall in the third round of the Season 48 Draft, but barely saw action for the stacked Beermen. He played in just two games in the 2024 Philippine Cup, logging a total of eight minutes.
This wasn’t about talent—it was simply about lack of opportunity. SMB’s frontcourt is loaded with Junemar Fajardo, Mo Tautuaa, Rodney Brondial, and Bennie Boatwright, making it nearly impossible for a young player like Mallillin to crack the rotation.
San Miguel allowed him to explore his options, and Blackwater wisely pounced on the opportunity.
A Promising Fit for Blackwater
Under Cariaso’s system, Mallillin should have more chances to play and develop. The Bossing are in a rebuild and need fresh talent to pair with guys like Rey Suerte and Jollo Go.
The signing also follows a similar pattern to Blackwater’s approach—giving players who were overlooked by powerhouse teams a second chance. If he thrives, Mallillin could turn into a steal and be a key contributor moving forward.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Gamble
While Mallillin may not be a big name, this is the kind of smart move Blackwater needs to improve its roster. Taking chances on young, underutilized players instead of relying on aging veterans or trading away assets is the right direction for a struggling franchise.
If given consistent minutes, Mallillin could prove t
hat San Miguel’s loss is Blackwater’s gain.
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