Two PBA teams that fell short of deep playoff runs last conference are hoping a change—or in one case, a reunion—at the import position will provide the spark they need in the upcoming PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
Phoenix Super LPG has entrusted its campaign to former NBA guard BJ Johnson, while Converge has opted for familiarity by bringing back high-scoring American swingman Jalen Hudson as both franchises look to climb the standings in the import-laden conference.
Phoenix officially unveiled Johnson as its reinforcement, adding a versatile wing with experience across the NBA, the G League, and several overseas leagues.
The 6-foot-7 Johnson went undrafted in 2018 after a productive collegiate career at La Salle University in Louisiana but earned opportunities in the NBA through his athleticism and defensive versatility.
He suited up for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic, while also spending time in the NBA G League, where he developed a reputation as a reliable two-way player capable of defending multiple positions and contributing offensively.
Beyond the NBA, Johnson has built an extensive international résumé with stints in leagues across Europe and Asia, giving him valuable experience adapting to different styles of play—an asset Phoenix hopes will translate quickly to the PBA.
The Fuel Masters are looking for that veteran presence after seeing their Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup campaign end in the quarterfinals. Phoenix finished the eliminations with a 6-6 record before its playoff run was halted by eventual champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
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FUEL BOOST
The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters have brought in former NBA guard BJ Johnson as their import for the upcoming PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. pic.twitter.com/QQCxkdvMZv
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 1, 2026
While Phoenix turns to a fresh face, Converge is welcoming back a player who already has a memorable chapter in PBA history.
The FiberXers officially announced on Wednesday, July 1, that Hudson will return to the Philippines three years after his lone PBA stint.
The 30-year-old first played in the league during the Season 47 Governors’ Cup, suiting up for TNT and helping the Tropang Giga post a 5-1 record during his six-game run. Despite the strong start, TNT eventually replaced him with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who went on to lead the franchise to the conference championship with a Finals victory over Barangay Ginebra.
Hudson, however, left behind one of the most explosive individual performances of that conference.
Ironically, his finest outing came against the very team he will now represent. He erupted for 56 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists as TNT defeated Converge, 128-122, showcasing the offensive firepower that convinced the FiberXers to bring him back.
Since his previous PBA stint, Hudson has continued his professional career overseas, most recently playing for the Hefei Storm in China. He has also suited up for clubs in Türkiye, Italy, Israel, Greece, and Germany.
Before taking his talents abroad, Hudson spent the 2019-20 season with the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go, after going undrafted.
He now joins a revamped Converge roster featuring Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Calvin Abueva, and Mikey Williams as the FiberXers aim to return to playoff contention.
Converge is coming off a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign after finishing with a 5-7 record, a mark that left the team outside the postseason picture.
With Johnson providing Phoenix a new weapon and Hudson returning to a familiar stage, both clubs are hoping their import decisions will translate into improved results when the Governors’ Cup tips off.
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