Shortly after winning a National Collegiate Athletic Association title, San Beda University standout Clifford Jopia will be facing a bigger challenge as he plays for Blackwater in the Commissioner's Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The 6-foot-7 slotman from Danao City formally struck a two-year deal with the Bossing, who selected him in the third round of the recent Annual Rookie Draft.

Jopia is coming off a solid season for the Red Lions, where he averaged 7.3 points and 7.6 rebounds and two blocks per game en route to their Season 99 title conquest over Mapua University last week.

He will join forces up front with veteran forward Troy Rosario and import Chris Ortiz when Blackwater faces NLEX on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With Yousef Taha still recovering from injury, Jopia's inclusion will be a welcome development for the Bossing, who are out to snap a seven-game losing binge as they make a last-ditch effort to make the next round.

Blackwater is currently at the bottom of the standings along with Converge, the only team it has defeated in the tournament, with identical 1-7 win-loss records.

Jopia is one among the four rookies signed up by the Bossing this season along with Christian David, the 6-foot-6, second overall pick from Butler University, guard James Kwekuteye and Archie Concepcion.

"Right now, our objective is to bring up to speed these rookies," said Cariaso, whose wards are also scheduled to face NorthPort on 5 January and San Miguel Beer on 12 January, said.

"We're not throwing the white towel yet. We just have to take it one game at a time and see how we can be better game after game."