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Tag: Converge FiberXers

  • Cameron Clark arrives as Converge makes another push to save Governors’ Cup campaign

    Cameron Clark arrives as Converge makes another push to save Governors’ Cup campaign

     

    Converge is hoping Cameron Clark can be the reset button it needs.

     

    After opening the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with three straight wins, the FiberXers have watched their promising start unravel into four consecutive defeats, leaving them searching for a spark with the group stage entering a crucial stretch.

     

    That search brings Clark back to the PBA.

     

    The veteran import is expected to make his Converge debut against Terrafirma Dyip on Tuesday, August 11, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, immediately stepping into a situation where every win has become increasingly valuable.

     

    Clark replaces Jamaal Franklin, who was unable to reverse Converge’s slide during his second stint with the team.

     

    Franklin produced impressive numbers, averaging 27.3 points per game over three appearances, but Converge failed to win any of those contests. His departure highlights the FiberXers’ growing urgency to find an import who can turn individual production into team success.

     

    Clark becomes Converge’s third import of the conference — a sign of how quickly the team has been forced to adjust after its unbeaten opening run.

     

    The 33-year-old, however, does not need an introduction to the league.

     

    Clark previously played for the NLEX Road Warriors during the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup before returning with the San Miguel Beermen in the 2023 Governors’ Cup. His most recent PBA experience came with guest team Hong Kong Eastern during the 2024-25 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    That familiarity could prove valuable for a Converge squad that needs immediate results rather than another lengthy adjustment period.

     

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    Clark will also have little time to settle in.

     

    Converge and Terrafirma enter Tuesday’s matchup with identical 3-4 records in Group A, making the game an important opportunity for either side to move away from the crowded middle of the standings.

     

    For the FiberXers, the timing could not be more critical.

     

    With the PBA set for a lengthy break due to the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers and Asian Games, Converge has one more chance to build momentum before the competition pauses.

     

    Four straight losses have erased much of the cushion created by the team’s 3-0 start.

     

    Now, Converge is banking on a familiar face to help change the direction of its season.

     

    Clark’s arrival does not guarantee an immediate turnaround, but Tuesday’s matchup will provide the first indication of whether the veteran import can become the missing piece the FiberXers have been looking for.

     

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  • Juan GDL calls for Converge to embrace roles as FiberXers search for answers after fourth straight loss

    Juan GDL calls for Converge to embrace roles as FiberXers search for answers after fourth straight loss

    Converge entered the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup looking like one of the conference’s hottest teams. Less than a month later, the FiberXers are searching for answers after watching a promising start unravel into a four-game losing streak.

     

    Wednesday’s 126-114 defeat to San Miguel Beer dropped Converge to 3-4 in Group A, extending a slide that ironically began against the same Beermen on July 22. Since then, the FiberXers have failed to regain the momentum that fueled their 3-0 opening run.

     

    Despite the result, Juan Gomez de Liano believed the game was still within reach before San Miguel pulled away late.

     

    “I think we just kinda fold towards the end,” he told reporters after the defeat. “In the first three quarters, nandoon naman kami. We struggled a bit, having a good start in the second half. I think those are the main problems as a team.”

     

    San Miguel’s decisive 37-point third quarter ultimately proved too much for Converge to overcome, turning a one-point halftime deficit into a comfortable advantage that the FiberXers never seriously threatened.

     

    The recent skid has also exposed another troubling trend. Converge has yet to defeat a team with a .500 record or better in Group A, with its last victory coming against Macau on July 17.

     

    Rather than pointing to chemistry issues, Gomez de Liano believes the bigger challenge lies in players fully embracing the responsibilities assigned to them.

     

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    “I think for us, we just have to know our roles and accept it and work towards our roles,” he said. “We have a lot of great players that can do a lot and do damage. But then, that’s the thing, if you have a stacked lineup, you have to figure out what your role is, what’s your purpose in the team and just work towards that.”

     

    “Chemistry-wise, I don’t think we lack chemistry. Like I said, we just fell short in the end.”

     

    The former UP standout has already started making that adjustment himself. Against San Miguel, Gomez de Liano nearly produced a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists while taking on more ball-handling responsibilities.

     

    “For sure, if no one is going to adjust, I’ll be the one. That’s the way I play. I know to do whatever the team needs, and I think that’s my role here: to be that point guard we kinda lack, facilitate, make the right plays, and get my teammates going,” he said.

     

    “That’s just me being the leader of this team. I’m willing to sacrifice. That was the same situation when I was in college,” he added, recalling his stint with a talent-loaded University of the Philippines squad.

     

    With the elimination round entering its crucial stretch, Gomez de Liano remains optimistic that Converge can still reverse its fortunes before the playoff race tightens further.

     

    “We’ve been struggling. We lost four straight games. I think we just need to regroup, head back to the drawing board, take a day off tomorrow, and find ways to get into our rhythm back and win games,” he said.

     

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  • George King drops conference-high 46 as San Miguel halts Converge’s skid bid 

    George King drops conference-high 46 as San Miguel halts Converge’s skid bid 

    San Miguel Beer wasted little time putting its latest setback behind it.

     

    After seeing its momentum halted by TNT in its previous outing, the Beermen responded with one of their most complete performances of the conference, overpowering Converge, 126-114, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to strengthen their position in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The victory lifted San Miguel to a 5-2 record in Group A while handing the FiberXers a fourth straight defeat after they opened the conference with three consecutive victories.

    The game was anything but comfortable early on.

     

    Converge stayed within striking distance throughout the first two quarters and even trailed by just a point, 65-64, at halftime as Jamaal Franklin, Justin Arana, and Calvin Abueva kept the FiberXers within striking distance.

     

    But everything changed after the break.

     

    San Miguel turned the third quarter into a statement, exploding for 37 points while limiting Converge to only 21. What had been a tightly contested battle suddenly became a double-digit lead as the Beermen stormed ahead, 102-85, entering the fourth.

     

    Converge attempted one last push behind Abueva’s aggressive scoring late in the game, but every rally was answered by George King, who repeatedly delivered baskets whenever the FiberXers threatened to make things interesting.

     

    The import finished with a conference-high 46 points along with 14 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in another dominant all-around performance.

     

    While King’s scoring grabbed the headlines, San Miguel’s balance proved equally important.

     

    The Beermen received 27 points from Don Trollano, while reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo quietly orchestrated the offense with a near triple-double of five points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists.

     

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    Head coach Leo Austria pointed to that collective effort as the biggest reason behind the bounce-back win.

     

    “The reason for this win, I think we’re able to balance the scoring. If you imagine, ang bench points namin 63, and that’s what I’m looking for sa team,” Austria said during the post-game press conference.

     

    “At the same time, we’re able to limit the fastbreak points of our opponent, which I think Converge is very good at the fastbreak. Another thing is the turnover, very limited, and we have a lot of assists.”

     

    The numbers backed up Austria’s assessment.

     

    San Miguel committed just nine turnovers while preventing Converge from getting easy transition opportunities, limiting the FiberXers to only 12 fastbreak points — a significant achievement against one of the league’s fastest-paced teams.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, continued searching for answers after another frustrating outing.

     

    Franklin and Abueva each finished with 26 points, while Justine Baltazar added 21 and Justin Arana chipped in 17, but the FiberXers had no response for San Miguel’s third-quarter avalanche.

     

    Instead of snapping their losing skid, Converge saw its early-season promise fade further as its losing streak reached four games, while the Beermen reminded the rest of the league why they remain among the top championship contenders despite recent setbacks.

     

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  • San Miguel, Converge race to stop midseason slide in Governors’ Cup rematch 

    San Miguel, Converge race to stop midseason slide in Governors’ Cup rematch 

    The second round of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup arrives with two contenders heading in the wrong direction.

     

    Not long ago, San Miguel Beer looked untouchable while Converge appeared to be the conference’s surprise team. Now, both clubs enter Wednesday’s showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum desperately searching for a reset.

     

    The rematch between the Beermen and the FiberXers has become less about revenge and more about survival in the increasingly competitive Group A race.

     

    San Miguel opened the conference by winning four of its first five games, but the league’s highest-scoring team has suddenly lost two of its last three outings.

     

    Converge’s fall has been even steeper.

     

    After racing to a perfect 3-0 start, the FiberXers have stumbled into a three-game losing streak, turning one of the conference’s hottest starts into growing uncertainty.

     

    Wednesday’s meeting offers both squads an opportunity to change the narrative.

     

    The Beermen won the first encounter, 128-122, on July 22 behind a dominant offensive display from George King and CJ Perez.

     

    King erupted for 41 points while Perez poured in 31 as San Miguel overpowered Converge in a shootout that highlighted the Beermen’s explosive attack.

     

    Much has changed since then.

     

    Converge has replaced import Jalen Hudson with former PBA reinforcement Jamaal Franklin, hoping the veteran can stabilize the FiberXers after consecutive defeats to San Miguel, TNT, and NLEX.

     

    While Franklin has shown flashes of his all-around game, he is still searching for his first victory since returning to the league.

     

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    Those losses have left Converge clinging to a Top Four spot, with Macau and Terrafirma quickly closing the gap as the playoff race tightens.

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, is trying to rediscover the offensive firepower that fueled its blistering start.

     

    The Beermen entered last weekend averaging 120 points per game before being held to just 89 in an overtime loss to a heavily undermanned TNT squad.

     

    That defeat came shortly after NLEX also cooled off San Miguel in a 110-96 victory, exposing vulnerabilities rarely seen during the team’s early surge.

     

    Despite the recent setbacks, San Miguel remains one of the league’s most dangerous teams after victories over Macau, Terrafirma, Converge, and Titan Ultra.

     

    The challenge now is proving those performances represent who they really are.

     

    For Converge, the mission is equally straightforward.

     

    The FiberXers must rediscover the chemistry that carried them to a 3-0 start while giving Franklin the support needed to finally deliver his first win in his latest PBA stint.

     

    One team wants to prove its recent slump is merely a temporary dip.

     

    The other hopes its impressive start wasn’t an illusion.

     

    When the second-round rematch tips off, both San Miguel and Converge will be playing for more than another win—they’ll be fighting to reclaim the momentum they lost.

     

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  • Unbeaten NLEX puts perfect record on the line as TNT, San Miguel clash in crucial Governors’ Cup showdown

    Unbeaten NLEX puts perfect record on the line as TNT, San Miguel clash in crucial Governors’ Cup showdown

    Momentum and redemption collide in Saturday’s PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup twin bill at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where one team aims to protect perfection while another looks to prove its latest setback was only a temporary stumble.


    The spotlight first shifts to the clash between the NLEX Road Warriors and the Converge FiberXers, with the Road Warriors carrying the tournament’s only unbeaten record into another stern examination.

     

    Under first-year head coach Jimmy Alapag, NLEX has emerged as the team to beat after opening the conference with four straight victories. Their latest triumph was arguably their biggest statement yet, knocking off powerhouse San Miguel Beer, 110-99, to strengthen their grip on the top spot in Group A. Robert Bolick continued to orchestrate the offense while the Road Warriors showcased the balanced attack that has fueled their flawless start.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, enters the contest eager to erase the disappointment of a heartbreaking 110-107 loss to TNT Tropang 5G. The FiberXers fought until the final possession but came up just short, dropping to a 3-2 record after seeing a three-game winning run halted. Despite the defeat, Converge remains among the conference’s strongest contenders and now gets an immediate opportunity to bounce back against the league’s hottest team.

     

    Saturday’s opener presents a compelling contrast: NLEX has built its success on consistency and depth, while Converge is trying to show that one narrow defeat won’t derail its campaign.

     

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    TNT and San Miguel meet with momentum and urgency on the line as the second game offers another intriguing storyline as TNT Tropang 5G and the San Miguel Beermen square off with both teams chasing momentum for different reasons.

     

    TNT finally found its breakthrough after edging Converge, 110-107, behind another composed offensive performance. The victory provided a much-needed lift after an uneven start and gives the Tropang 5G confidence heading into one of their toughest assignments of the conference.

     

    San Miguel, on the other hand, enters the matchup looking to respond after absorbing its first defeat of the tournament. The Beermen were outplayed by the unbeaten Road Warriors, 110-99, ending what had been a strong 3-0 opening to their Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

    With both clubs expected to be among the contenders later in the conference, Saturday’s meeting could carry significance beyond the standings. TNT is searching for consecutive victories to climb back into the playoff picture, while San Miguel wants to quickly regain its footing before the race tightens.

     

    Every win becomes increasingly valuable as the elimination round progresses, making Saturday’s doubleheader more than just another day on the schedule—it could shape the balance of power heading into the next phase of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

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  • Import Jamaal Franklin embraces second chance with Converge after disappointing first stint

    Import Jamaal Franklin embraces second chance with Converge after disappointing first stint

    Converge’s search for consistency in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup hit another roadblock after the FiberXers absorbed a narrow 110-107 defeat to the TNT Tropang Giga at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, July 28.

     

    The loss dropped Converge to its second defeat of the conference, but despite the disappointing result, the FiberXers found a major positive in the return of veteran import Jamaal Franklin, who made an immediate impact in his second stint with the franchise.

     

    Franklin wasted little time reminding everyone why Converge brought him back, finishing with 30 points in his season debut while providing stability on both ends of the floor. His all-around performance kept the FiberXers within striking distance against the defending champions, although it ultimately wasn’t enough to prevent TNT from escaping with the victory.

     

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    The 35-year-old American is no stranger to Converge fans. He first joined the FiberXers during the 2023 Governors’ Cup and quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier imports. Over his first 10 games with the franchise, Franklin delivered a string of dominant performances, highlighted by a remarkable 57-point explosion against the Meralco Bolts that remains one of the highest-scoring games by an import in recent PBA history.

     

    However, his initial stint came to an abrupt end after an underwhelming outing against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel prompted the franchise to replace him before the start of the playoffs.

    Now back in a Converge uniform, Franklin expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to represent the team once again and is determined to help the FiberXers turn their campaign around.

     

    “I mean, this was my first home playing out here. It was cut short, it was just some stuff that happened. But happy to be back, and just gotta keep going at it, and we just got to get better and hopefully get on the winning circle again,” Franklin said after the game.

     

    Franklin was tapped to replace fellow import Jalen Hudson, whose inconsistent performances during the early stages of the conference prompted the team’s management to make a change. While there is still work to be done as Converge adjusts to its new lineup, Franklin believes the team’s potential will become more evident as they spend more time together.

     

    The former NBA and international veteran also spoke highly of his teammates, particularly the players he already knew from his previous stint with the club.

     

    “Alec and Justin are my guys, I have known them since my first time here. And I played against Mikey, he’s one hell of a player, he can score the ball, he’s one of the best scorers in this league. So it’s always good playing with a guy like Mikey. He’s a good scorer, he’s keeping composure, he practices hard. So just happy to have him on our side now, and happy to have the players we have right now.”

     

    Franklin’s familiarity with several members of the roster could prove valuable as Converge looks to quickly build chemistry and bounce back from its slow start. His veteran leadership and scoring ability are expected to ease the offensive burden on the FiberXers while providing a reliable presence in crucial stretches of games.

     

    Despite the loss to TNT, Converge showed flashes of competitiveness against one of the league’s top contenders, giving the team optimism that better performances are on the horizon with Franklin back in the fold.

     

    The FiberXers will have an opportunity to return to the win column when they take on the NLEX Road Warriors at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, August 1. With Franklin settling back into the system and the team looking to capitalize on his experience, Converge hopes to translate its encouraging signs into a much-needed victory as the Governors’ Cup eliminations continue.

     

     

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  • Converge, TNT search for answers as struggling imports take center stage 

    Converge, TNT search for answers as struggling imports take center stage 

    Tuesday’s showdown between Converge and TNT may ultimately be decided by the players both teams expected to carry them.

     

    Instead, it has become a battle between two imports still searching for consistency.

     

    When the FiberXers and the Tropang 5G square off at 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, much of the spotlight will fall on Justin Hudson and Darius Days—two reinforcements who have yet to consistently deliver despite the strong performances of their local teammates.

     

    For Converge, the supporting cast has done more than enough to keep the team among the early contenders.

     

    The FiberXers raced to a 3-0 start behind dominant wins over Titan Ultra, Terrafirma, and the Macau Giant Pandas before finally suffering their first defeat against unbeaten San Miguel Beer, 128-122.

     

    Even in that loss, Converge showed it could compete with one of the league’s top championship favorites.

     

    Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar combined for 45 points and 17 rebounds while battling June Mar Fajardo inside, and Juan Gomez de Liano, Mikee Williams, and Alec Stockton continued to provide reliable scoring.

     

    The one missing piece has been Hudson, who has struggled to establish himself as the consistent offensive force Converge envisioned when it brought him in.

     

    His production becomes even more important against a TNT squad desperate to avoid falling deeper in the standings.

     

    The Tropang 5G, meanwhile, have bigger concerns than simply replacing import scoring.

     

    The defending Governors’ Cup champions have been hit hard by injuries, with Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Kelly Williams all unavailable, leaving Chot Reyes to rely on a thinner rotation than expected.

     

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    The results have reflected those absences.

     

    After escaping the Macau Giant Pandas in their opener, TNT dropped consecutive games to NLEX and Terrafirma, slipping to 1-2 and outside the current Top Four.

     

    Like Hudson, Days has struggled to consistently impact games, making Tuesday’s matchup an opportunity for either import to finally swing momentum in his team’s favor.

     

    For Converge, a victory would immediately erase the sting of losing its unbeaten record against San Miguel and reinforce the belief that it belongs among the conference’s contenders.

     

    For TNT, the stakes are even higher.

     

    Another defeat would leave the defending champions digging an even deeper hole early in the conference while waiting for their injured stars to return.

     

    Both teams already know their local stars can compete. Now, they need their imports to prove they can do the same.

     

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  • Converge reunites with Jamaal Franklin, parts ways with Jalen Hudson ahead of TNT clash

    Converge reunites with Jamaal Franklin, parts ways with Jalen Hudson ahead of TNT clash

    Converge wasted little time searching for answers after suffering its first setback of the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup, turning to a familiar face in hopes of keeping its strong start on track.


    The FiberXers have officially replaced import Jalen Hudson with returning reinforcement Jamaal Franklin, bringing back one of the franchise’s most productive imports ahead of Tuesday’s showdown against TNT at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The team confirmed the move through its official social media post.

     

    “Welcome Back, Jamaal Franklin!”

     

    The roster change comes after Hudson’s brief four-game stint with Converge. Although he showed flashes of his scoring ability, the former import struggled to find consistency throughout the conference.

     

    Hudson averaged 12.25 points, 6.75 rebounds, and 4.25 assists before being released by the FiberXers.

     

    He made an encouraging debut by tallying 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists against Titan Ultra, but his production steadily declined over the next few games, highlighted by a two-point outing against Terrafirma.

     

    With Converge sitting at 3-1 and third in the Group A standings following its first loss of the conference to the San Miguel Beermen, management opted to make a change before the tournament reaches its crucial stretch.

     

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    That decision brings Franklin back to a team where he previously thrived wherein the high-scoring forward last suited up for Converge during the 2023 conference, producing outstanding averages of 34.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. 

     

    Behind his all-around brilliance, the FiberXers compiled a 6-5 record to secure seventh place in the elimination round before bowing out in the quarterfinals.

     

    Franklin’s return also restores an import known for his ability to impact every facet of the game rather than simply carrying the scoring load.

     

    Before establishing himself as one of the most accomplished imports to play in Asia, Franklin was selected 41st overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2013 NBA Draft. Although he never played in an NBA regular-season game with Memphis, he developed in the NBA G League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants before continuing his career in China with the Zhejiang Lions. 

     

    He later earned an NBA opportunity with the Denver Nuggets during the 2015-16 season before becoming a longtime standout in the Chinese Basketball Association beginning in 2017.

     

    Franklin is expected to make his season debut for Converge when the FiberXers take on TNT on Tuesday, with the team hoping his familiarity with the system can provide an immediate spark as it looks to bounce back from its first defeat.

     

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  • George King enjoys San Miguel’s unbeaten start, admits team chemistry is building

    George King enjoys San Miguel’s unbeaten start, admits team chemistry is building

    The San Miguel Beermen continued their dominant start to the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup after overcoming the Converge FiberXers, 128-122, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, July 22.

     

    Leading the charge for San Miguel was import George King, who delivered his best performance of the conference so far and provided the offensive spark the Beermen needed in a high-scoring affair.

     

    King erupted for 41 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block while shooting 16-of-32 from the field. He also connected on two four-pointers, showcasing his scoring ability from different areas of the court as San Miguel remained unbeaten in the early stages of the Governors’ Cup.

     

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    For King, the victory was another positive step as he continues to adjust to his new teammates, the PBA style of play, and San Miguel’s system. Despite producing a monster performance, the 32-year-old import emphasized that the team is still in the process of building chemistry.

     

    “It’s always good to be undefeated. We started off hot early, it builds some momentum. We are still learning each other, building chemistry. I think tonight we showed some moments of chemistry. We are really happy with that. It’s nice to be in this position,” King said after the game.

     

     

    Beyond his numbers, King’s energy and enthusiasm throughout the contest stood out. The former NBA player was often seen celebrating big plays, encouraging teammates, and enjoying the moment on the court—signs of his growing comfort within the Beermen system.

     

    King explained that maintaining that enjoyment and passion for the game has been important as he continues his professional career.

     

    “For me, it is easy to lose focus that this is a game. And I go back to my early stages of when I found this game where I did it because it was fun and I enjoyed it. I still do, but I believe that at this point, sometimes it can be easy to forget that. Recently, I have been reminded of that and I’m using it going forward.”

     

    He also highlighted how the team’s celebrations and shared moments on the court could help strengthen their bond moving forward.

     

    “Obviously, we are making plays and we are making our opponents call a timeout, and we are literally sitting there, and dancing, and just building our chemistry. I think these are the things that are going to pay off for us down the road if we continue to have success. I think it’s going to pay off for us going forward,” he added.

     

     

    San Miguel’s strong start comes after the franchise experienced import difficulties in previous conferences, particularly during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup when the Beermen had to go through multiple import changes before eventually settling on Bennie Boatwright.

     

    However, assistant coach Peter Martin believes those concerns are now behind the team with King leading the way.

     

    Martin praised King’s versatility, leadership, and willingness to make plays for his teammates, noting that the import has made the adjustment process much easier for the coaching staff.

     

    “Oh, very safe. Very, very safe. Alam mo, kung tinitignan niyo yung. Minsan kukunin yung board siya mag-play para sa amin. Makes our job really much easier. And then he talks to the players. At the start, he won’t be so aggressive. The first game, puro pasa nga siya eh,” Martin said.

     

     

    The veteran coach added that King’s understanding of the game and ability to connect with his teammates will continue to improve as he becomes more familiar with the Beermen’s system.

     

    “Sabi ko nga sa kanya na it’s up to him. He knows how to play with these guys. He knows how to motivate. So, konti pa siguro. Konting familiarity pa magiging okay. Depensa na lang siguro mag-adjust kami ng konti pa,” Martin added.

     

     

    With King quickly establishing himself as a key piece of their lineup, San Miguel will look to maintain its perfect record when it faces the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, July 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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  • Converge’s blazing start faces biggest test yet against San Miguel 

    Converge’s blazing start faces biggest test yet against San Miguel 

    Four wins against struggling teams can build confidence, but beating San Miguel would send a far stronger message.

     

    That opportunity now stands in front of Converge as the unbeaten FiberXers put their flawless start on the line against the equally undefeated Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    Tip-off is set at 7:30 p.m., with both clubs entering the marquee Group A showdown still without a loss. Converge carries a 3-0 record, while San Miguel has opened its campaign at 2-0.

     

    The FiberXers have looked like a rejuvenated squad after their disappointing exit in the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations, rolling past the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, surviving Terrafirma in a thriller, and then overwhelming the Macau Giant Pandas with a 149-point explosion.

     

    But none of those opponents possessed the pedigree of a San Miguel squad loaded with proven stars and reinforced by high-scoring import George King.

     

    The Beermen have also enjoyed a comfortable start, dispatching Macau, 123-109, before fending off Terrafirma, 109-104, to set up what could be the first true measuring stick game for both contenders.   

     

    At the heart of the contest will be a battle that could define the evening.

     

    Justin Arana has emerged as arguably the hottest local player in the conference, erupting for back-to-back career-best performances with 31 points and 11 rebounds against Terrafirma before raising the bar again with 39 points and 12 boards against Macau.

     

    Alongside fellow young big man Justine Baltazar, Arana now gets the opportunity to test himself against the league’s gold standard at center—nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.

     

    Converge, however, will need more than Arana’s brilliance if it hopes to remain unbeaten.

     

    Import Jalen Hudson has struggled to find consistency despite the team’s perfect record, averaging only seven points over his last two outings, including a quiet two-point performance against Terrafirma.

     

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    The FiberXers have managed to overcome those struggles thanks to their balanced local production and relentless energy, qualities that were evident even during Arana’s animated exchange with Archie Concepcion on the bench in their previous game.

     

    “We just had an argument but it was nothing, not a big deal,” Arana said, underscoring the competitive environment within Converge.

     

    Against San Miguel, though, internal intensity alone won’t be enough.

     

    The Beermen boast one of the deepest lineups in the league, with King expected to shoulder the scoring load alongside a veteran core that has repeatedly delivered on the biggest stage.

     

    For Converge, Wednesday presents more than another chance to improve to 4-0.

     

    It is an opportunity to prove that its unbeaten run is more than a product of favorable matchups and that it belongs among the league’s legitimate championship contenders.

     

    Only one unbeaten team will leave Antipolo still perfect. The winner may also walk away with something just as valuable—the belief that it can stand atop Group A.

     

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