Sedrick Barefield keeps focus on Blackwater amid trade talk

Blackwater Bossing’s Sedrick Barefield during a game vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal—Sedrick Barefield played a key supporting role, if not a shared starring one, in Blackwater’s blowout of Rain or Shine to open its 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup campaign.

Barefield’s 24 points to back up import Kentrell Barkley’s 29 enabled the Bossing to roll past the Elasto Painters, 131-108, on Saturday at Ynares Center Montalban here, giving his team something to hope for in the season-ending conference.

His performance came despite the eventful weeks leading up to the Governors’ Cup when Barefield’s name floated in trade rumors.

Those talks never materialized–at least for now. But Barefield’s focus at this point is on giving the Bossing every bit of a chance to contend for a playoff spot.

“Just because naturally it’s there, just because of how much was circulated,” Barefield said when asked if the trade talks are in the back of his mind.

“But my mentality is that I’m with my guys,” he continued. “I love this team. I love Coach Pat [Aquino]. So I’m just focused on each game that I get to play with this team.”

With Barefield playing well, Blackwater got some measure of revenge on Rain or Shine after being handed a 56-point loss in the Commissioner’s Cup that set a PBA record for the most lopsided game ever.

He and the rest of the Bossing are hoping that the result will translate into something positive, especially with Aquino now having a full conference and preparation time to run his schemes.

But on Saturday, Barefield seems happy to be on a winning start.

“I mean, winning takes care of everything, right? So it feels good,” said Barefield. “I’m just proud of this group. Proud of how we stayed together through the highs and lows of that game.”