In a move that has raised eyebrows, the Blackwater Bossing have signed David Murrell and Jed Mendoza to one-year contracts. The two former Magnolia guards earned their deals after an "impressive showing" during an invitational tournament in Davao. While the team is looking to fill out its roster and a tryout is a good way to find talent, the signing of these two players has left many wondering if Blackwater is missing out on better options from the pool of unsigned players from the recent 2025 PBA Draft.
Both Murrell and Mendoza are eager for a fresh start. Murrell, a former Slam Dunk champion, has not been in the league since 2024, while Mendoza was not renewed by Magnolia at the end of last season. While their performance in a short invitational tournament is a positive sign, it's not exactly a proven track record of consistent success in the PBA.
The decision is especially puzzling when you look at the list of unsigned players from the 2025 PBA Draft. The draft was widely perceived to be of lower quality, which makes it a goldmine for potential steals after the first round. Here are some of the unsigned draftees that I believe would have been better options for Blackwater:
John Barba: This is the most glaring oversight. John Barba, a former NCAA Mythical Team member and an efficient scorer, went undrafted. It is a complete mystery as to why no PBA team took a chance on him. He is a proven scorer who can provide instant offense off the bench. For a team like Blackwater, which has struggled to score in the past, Barba would have been a no-brainer.
Jack Cruz-Dumont: It's surprising that Jack Cruz-Dumont, a good UAAP player, ended up outside the first two rounds. The guy is a good shooter and a big wing, which is a rare commodity in the league. For a team that is in need of depth, Cruz-Dumont would have been a great addition.
Cole Micek: A torrid scorer in the international league scene, Cole Micek somehow fell all the way to the third round. He has size and a high basketball IQ. He is the kind of player who can be a valuable role player and a great investment for a team.
The fact that Blackwater opted to sign players who were not even in the draft pool over these talented and promising prospects is confusing. While Murrell and Mendoza may have a good showing in a tryout, their track record in the PBA is not exactly stellar. The team is still in rebuilding mode, and it needs to take a chance on players who have a higher upside. The signing of Murrell and Mendoza, while it fills a roster spot, feels like a missed opportunity for Blackwater.
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