Blackwater head coach Pat Aquino knows the caliber of his guard RK Ilagan.

Inserted as a starter in the Bossing’s opening game in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Ilagan repaid Aquino’s trust with a stellar performance in a shocking rout of Rain or Shine.

Ilagan scattered a personal season-high 22 points in an efficient 8-of-12 shooting from the field as Blackwater downed the Elasto Painters in a lopsided, 131-108, victory last Saturday at the Ynares Center-Montalban.

Grabbing five rebounds, with three assists and two steals, Ilagan’s effort earned him the nod as the season-ending conference’s first PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of 10 to 12 July.

“Very happy for him because I know the talent is there. It’s just how he composes himself going through his first game,” Aquino said of Ilagan, who saw 26 minutes of action.

“I just gave him the time and confidence to show his talent and it’s a great comeback for him.”

Ilagan showed no signs of rust even after spending three months in sickbay due to knee issues.

The 29-year-old took the spotlight despite Blackwater boasting of heroes in the strong opener.

Import Kentrell Barkley, Sedrick Barefield, Dalph Panopio, Abu Tratter, and James Una all did their share for the cause as the Bossing avenged their record 56-point loss to Rain or Shine in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Ilagan edged out Barefield for the weekly honor deliberated and given by members of Asia’s first-ever play-for-pay league’s Press Corps.

Also nominated for the recognition were NLEX’s Kevin Alas and Phoenix’s Jason Perkins.