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Tag: Converge FiberXers

  • Mikey Williams reveals why he was limited to fourth-quarter action following his PBA comeback with Converge

    Mikey Williams reveals why he was limited to fourth-quarter action following his PBA comeback with Converge

    Mikey Williams finally stepped back onto the PBA hardwood on Wednesday night—but his return came with an unusual twist.


    The two-time Finals MVP had to spend most of Converge FiberXers’ season-opening clash against the Macau Black Knights watching from the bench before he could even play a single minute in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Williams’ long-awaited comeback was delayed by paperwork rather than basketball decisions. The guard had to wait for his Letter of Clearance (LOC) from FIBA, a document confirming that a player has fulfilled contractual obligations with previous teams, clubs, or federations.

     

    As the game unfolded, the necessary clearance had yet to arrive, forcing Williams to sit through the first three quarters despite being available to play.

     

    Though he did not explicitly mention the document, Williams confirmed that certain matters were still being settled while the game was already underway—ultimately delaying his debut for Converge.

     

    Once everything was finally cleared, he was given the green light to enter the game in the fourth quarter, marking his first appearance in the PBA in nearly three years.

     

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    “There were some things that we couldn’t control that kinda faltered me from playing in the first three quarters to help the team. But I’m glad it finally got cleared up in the fourth quarter, and they gave me the go-ahead to play. Just tried to insert myself, help the team as best as I could, in any way that I could,” Williams said.

     

    Although the 34-year-old guard struggled to find his rhythm offensively—missing all four of his field-goal attempts, he still managed to contribute in other ways. 

     

    Williams finished with two rebounds, three assists, and one steal as Converge secured the victory over Macau.

     

    For Williams, however, the night meant far more than statistics. Returning to competitive basketball and sharing the floor with teammates again was what truly mattered after such a long absence.

    “But more importantly, I missed the camaraderie with a team and being around teammates. It’s something new that we’re building here, just glad to be a part of it,” he said.

     

    Now beginning a new chapter with the FiberXers, Williams understands that adjusting to his new team will take time. Learning Converge’s system and identifying where he best fits within a roster filled with young talent will be part of the process moving forward.

     

    For the Los Angeles-born guard, the priority is patience—taking small steps as he reintegrates himself into the team and the league.

     

    “The foundation is right where it needs to be. The right guys, the right people at the helm, at the reins to get us to go. I just think it’s learning to focus in and do the little things that we need to do to get those gut-wrenching wins,” Los Angeles-born guard said.

     

    Even with limited minutes, Williams’ presence signaled the start of what could be a significant new chapter—for both the veteran guard and the young Converge franchise.

     

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  • Alec Stockton shines in crunch time as Converge narrowly defeats Macau in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Alec Stockton shines in crunch time as Converge narrowly defeats Macau in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The new PBA season began with a dramatic finish as Alec Stockton delivered when it mattered most, powering the Converge FiberXers to a 102–94 victory over the Macau Black Knights to kick off the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    With the game hanging in the balance entering the final period, Stockton took control on both ends of the floor, igniting a decisive fourth quarter run that allowed Converge to pull away and spoil Macau’s debut as a guest squad in the import-laden conference.

     

    The FiberXers guard finished with 18 points, six steals, three rebounds, and three assists, highlighting an all-around effort that sparked Converge’s momentum in the closing minutes. 

     

    His energy on defense and ability to attack the basket fueled a crucial 14–2 run that finally broke open a tightly contested match.

     

    Supporting Stockton’s charge were Archie Concepcion and Justin Arana, who contributed 16 and 15 points respectively as the FiberXers found timely scoring late in the game.

     

    “I think we just wanted to buckle down on defense. We weren’t really getting much on offense. I’m just glad it worked out for us,” said Stockton after their match against the Black Knights.

     

    For much of the night, however, the game belonged to Macau. The Black Knights looked poised to steal the opener but Converge slowly chipped away.

     

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    Arana, Stockton, Concepcion, and Jonnel Policarpio combined for a steady rally that cut the deficit to just three points entering the fourth quarter, setting the stage for the late-game surge.

     

    Import Kylor Kelley sparked the decisive stretch with a putback slam before Stockton tied the contest with a quick layup. 

     

    Stockton then delivered the play that broke Macau’s resistance, weaving through three defenders for a tough layup before assisting Justine Baltazar on another basket that pushed the lead to eight with just over two minutes remaining.

     

    The game also marked the long-awaited return of Williams, the two-time Finals MVP, who made his comeback appearance but only saw action in the fourth quarter.

     

    Despite the loss, Macau had its share of bright spots. Jenning Leung paced the Black Knights with 22 points, while Phoenix Shackelford and Chongqui added 20 and 19 respectively.

     

    Still, it was Stockton who ultimately stole the spotlight, delivering the clutch performance that allowed Converge to open the conference with momentum.

     

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  • PBA Commissioner’s Cup opens with Titan–Terrafirma clash, Converge faces Macau

    PBA Commissioner’s Cup opens with Titan–Terrafirma clash, Converge faces Macau

    The stage is set for the return of action as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup officially tips off on Wednesday, March 11, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    With teams bringing in reinforcements from overseas and retooled rosters eager to make an early statement, opening day promises a mix of unfamiliar matchups and high-powered performances. Two games will serve as the curtain-raiser for the conference, featuring established PBA teams and a guest squad looking to make an immediate impact.

     

    The opening game will see the Titan Ultra Giant Risers take on the Terrafirma Dyip.

     

    Titan Ultra, which officially took over the former NorthPort franchise last October, hopes to improve on its respectable 4–7 record in its debut conference. The Giant Risers showed flashes of promise during the Philippine Cup but ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, prompting several roster adjustments heading into the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    One of the most notable changes was the departure of Calvin Abueva, who had emerged as Titan’s top performer during the previous conference. Abueva has since been traded to the Converge FiberXers in exchange for King Caralipio, Mark Omega, and Rey Suerte.

     

    Titan also enters the tournament under the guidance of new head coach Rensy Bajar, who will rely on a mix of veterans and newcomers including Joshua Munzon, Von Pessumal, Cade Flores, CJ Austria, Mark Sangco, and Bryan Sajonia.

     

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    The Giant Risers will also lean on their import Michael Gilmore, whose presence adds a new dimension to the squad as they aim to establish themselves as a competitive force in the conference.

     

    Terrafirma, meanwhile, hopes the Commissioner’s Cup will provide a chance to reset after a challenging run in previous conferences. Known for their hardworking core and willingness to compete against bigger lineups, the Dyip will rely heavily on their import Mubashar Ali, a towering seven-footer expected to anchor both ends of the floor.

     

    The Dyip will also showcase new additions, including top rookie pick Geo Chiu and Ben Adamos, who was acquired from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    The evening’s marquee game will feature the Macau Black Knights going up against the Converge FiberXers.

     

    Macau enters the tournament as one of the foreign guest teams invited to compete in the Commissioner’s Cup. The squad is expected to rely heavily on American reinforcement Tony Mitchell, who brings scoring ability and experience from multiple international leagues.

     

    Originally, the Black Knights planned to alternate Mitchell with 7-foot-6 center Sam Deguara, but the towering big man has since joined a Taiwanese club in the P. LEAGUE+, leaving Mitchell as the team’s primary reinforcement.

     

    Converge, on the other hand, will bank on its energetic core and depth to counter the visiting squad. The FiberXers boast a strong lineup featuring Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Mikey Williams, Abueva, Alec Stockton, Schonny Winston, and Juan Gomez de Liaño.

     

    Anchoring their inside presence is seven-foot import Kylor Kelley, who is expected to form a formidable frontline alongside Arana and Baltazar.

     

    The matchup could turn into a battle of tempo—Macau relying on Mitchell’s versatility and inside scoring, while Converge attempts to push the pace and stretch the defense with its deep and athletic roster.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup begins, opening day could offer an early glimpse of which teams are ready to contend in what promises to be a competitive and import-driven conference.

     

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  • Willie Miller confident Mikey Williams will regain form with Converge despite slow start

    Willie Miller confident Mikey Williams will regain form with Converge despite slow start

    Patience will be key for Converge as it integrates Mikey Williams into its backcourt rotation for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Deputy coach Willie Miller admitted that the Filipino-American guard is still working his way back into peak condition, but he remains confident that the former TNT star will rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s most feared scorers.

     

    Williams only recently returned to the Philippines after spending time in the United States, and while he has already joined the FiberXers in practice, Miller said there are still a few adjustments needed before the explosive guard reaches full rhythm.

     

    “Yung shooting niya andun pa rin. Hindi pa rin nawala,” noted the two-time MVP.

     

    “Tingin ko yung timing lang talaga ang kulang pa sa kanya.”

     

    Miller, who is responsible for overseeing Converge’s guards, made it clear that getting Williams back into game-ready shape is now part of his responsibilities with the team.

     

    “Sa mga guard ako ang assigned. Sa big men, si DI (Danny Ildefonso) diyan,” said the former Letran standout, referring to fellow assistant coach Danny Ildefonso.

     

    “Ikukundisyon natin yan,” he added.

     

    Williams arrived in the country last week and wasted little time reconnecting with his new squad, attending practice just a day or two after landing.

     

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    The prolific guard joined Converge through a blockbuster trade last year that sent Jordan Heading to TNT, ending Williams’ previous chapter with the Tropang Giga where he played a major role in winning two PBA championships.

     

    Although he has been away from competitive basketball in the league, Miller shared that Williams stayed active while in the US.

     

    “Nagpapa-kundisyon naman siya sa US. Madalas din daw siyang maglaro sa mga pick up games. Minsan may mga former NBA players pa siyang nakakalaro,” Miller shared.

     

    “Pero siyempre, iba pa rin talaga yung competitive games.”

     

    Beyond Williams’ individual preparation, Converge also faces another challenge — blending a roster packed with talent.

     

    The FiberXers feature a star-studded lineup that includes Williams, Juan Gomez De Liano, Alec Stockton, Kurt Reyson, MJ Garcia, Archie Concepcion, Calvin Abueva, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, and Jonnel Policarpio, along with towering 7-foot import Kylor Kelley.

     

    For Miller, the key will be building chemistry so the team can maximize its depth without sacrificing offensive flow.

     

    “Sabi nga ni Gov (coach Delta Pineda) good problem yan. In time, pag nakuha na yung chemistry ng team, tingin ko hindi naman yan magiging problema,” he said.

     

    Miller pointed out that powerhouse teams like San Miguel Beer, TNT, and Barangay Ginebra have managed to succeed despite having multiple stars sharing the floor.

     

    If the FiberXers can find that same balance, Converge may soon become one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.

     

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  • Converge governor praises Mikey Williams’ attitude upon his return to the PBA

    Converge governor praises Mikey Williams’ attitude upon his return to the PBA

    After nearly three years away from competitive basketball in the league, Mikey Williams is beginning a new journey and this time with Converge, as he works his way back toward the PBA spotlight.

     

    The former Finals MVP has already touched down in Manila and wasted no time settling into preparation mode, according to Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab. From the moment he arrived earlier this week, Williams showed eagerness to get back to work.

     

    “Very highly motivated siya. Talagang naka-focus ang bata. Ang unang nga niyang hinanapan, gym. Gym kaagad. He is totally fit. Talagang babawi siya ngayong this coming conference,” Cayabyab said.

     

    Williams has already started participating in team activities with the FiberXers as they gear up for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup. 

     

    His reintegration into the squad began during the team’s bonding trip in Laguna, where he joined teammates in a recent team-building activity before returning to on-court preparations.

     

    The Converge guard is now working through the early stages of his comeback, focusing not only on conditioning but also reconnecting with the rhythm of team basketball. 

     

    His last appearance in a competitive PBA game dates back to April 21, 2023, when TNT edged Barangay Ginebra, 97-93, in the Finals — a series that saw Williams capture his second Finals MVP award.

     

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    While the talent and experience are unquestioned, Cayabyab acknowledged that the adjustment period is still ongoing, especially with the Commissioner’s Cup approaching quickly.

     

    “Kailangan pa natin chemistry sa mga ka-teammates niya, mga kasama niya. Pero okay naman nakita ko, nag-observe naman ako last night. Talagang kasama niya ang buong team, nag-enjoy siya. At home siya, sa totoo lang,” the team’s governor said.

     

    Building familiarity with the system and establishing chemistry with new teammates remain among the priorities as Williams prepares for his first appearance in a Converge uniform. The FiberXers are scheduled to open their campaign against the Macau Black Bears, giving the returning guard limited time to fully settle in.

     

    Despite the tight timeline, Cayabyab expressed confidence that Williams’ basketball intelligence will help him adapt quickly to the team’s structure.

     

    “Sinabi niya kumbaga hindi siya pumunta sa team para makasira sa team. Pero nandito siya para makatulong sa goal ng team na gusto makarating sa semis muna hanggang sa makarating ng championship,” he said.

     

    Cayabyab admitted the biggest concern lies in the timing and game rhythm Williams needs to regain after such a long layoff.

     

    “Almost three years, ang inaalala ko ang timing niya. Baka manibago pa siya kasi next week na, may laro na kami. So hindi pa siya masyadong familiar sa system pero very high IQ naman si Mikey. Madali niya makukuha ‘yan,” said the amiable Cayabyab.

     

    For Converge, Williams’ arrival represents both a boost in talent and a renewed sense of optimism. For the guard himself, the upcoming conference offers a chance to rediscover his form and prove he can still be a difference-maker in the league.

     

     

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  • Mikey Williams nears long‑awaited PBA return, logs in with Converge FiberXers

    Mikey Williams nears long‑awaited PBA return, logs in with Converge FiberXers

    After a lengthy absence, Mikey Williams is finally preparing to light up the Philippine Basketball Association once again — this time with the Converge FiberXers.

     

    Williams confirmed his return via an Instagram Story, where he revealed that he has arrived in the Philippines, is already with the FiberXers, and has taken part in recent team‑building activities. His caption summed up the moment simply but meaningfully: “It’s all God… And just like that, it begins.”

     

    The sharpshooting guard hasn’t appeared in a PBA game since the 2023 Governors’ Cup, where he delivered a memorable performance for TNT Tropang Giga. Williams finished that series with a brilliant 38‑point outing in Game 6 of the finals and averaged 22.0 points while leading TNT to the championship, earning his second Finals MVP in the process. That came on the heels of his first Finals MVP in the 2021 Philippine Cup, when he carried TNT to its first title in six years shortly after being drafted.

     

    Across his first three seasons in the league (2021–2023), Williams established himself as one of the most electric scorers in the PBA, averaging 18.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while thrilling crowds with his shooting range and clutch instincts. 

     

    He also earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2021, led the league in scoring early in his career, and secured Mythical Team nods — achievements that cemented his status as a franchise cornerstone during his time with TNT.

     

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    Off‑court dynamics, however, kept Williams away from the league for nearly two years. Contract talks with TNT stalled after the 2023 season, eventually leading to TNT terminating his contract while still retaining his rights. This impasse kept him from taking the court professionally in the PBA and led to speculation about his future — including appearances abroad such as at the Dubai International Basketball Championship in early 2025.

     

    Everything changed mid‑2025, when the PBA approved a one‑for‑one trade sending Williams’ signing rights from TNT to Converge in exchange for veteran guard Jordan Heading. With that move, the doors finally opened for Williams to sign with a new team and make his highly anticipated comeback.

     

    Now rostered alongside standout talents like Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, and Calvin Abueva, Williams adds a proven scorer and leader to a Converge core that has been reshaped for deeper postseason runs.

     

    For PBA fans, his return is more than a roster addition — it’s the homecoming of one of the league’s most electrifying offensive forces. After years of negotiation drama, geographical hiatus, and what‑ifs, Mikey Williams’ comeback promises to be one of the most watched storylines of the season. 

     

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  • Converge braces for guest team Macau in Commissioner’s Cup opener

    Converge braces for guest team Macau in Commissioner’s Cup opener

    The Philippine Basketball Association ushers in its Commissioner’s Cup on March 11 with an unusual headliner: guest team Macau Black Bears stepping into the PBA spotlight against a revamped Converge FiberXers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The Black Bears and the FiberXers collide at 7:30 p.m. in the second game of the traditional opening doubleheader, but intrigue will already be brewing hours earlier.

     

    At 5 p.m., six-foot-nine rookie Geo Chiu makes his much-anticipated PBA debut as Terrafirma squares off with Titan Ultra, now under new head coach Rensy Bajar. For Chiu, it’s more than just a first game — it’s a test of how quickly he can translate his size and promise into impact at the professional level. For Titan, the coaching change signals a reset after a turbulent stretch, and the opener offers an immediate chance to set a new tone.

     

    Still, it is Macau’s arrival that reshapes the conference narrative.

     

    As a guest participant, the Black Bears expand the field to 13 teams, injecting a regional flavor into a competition traditionally dominated by local franchises. The club is reportedly preparing to alternate between 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara and former NBA player Tony Mitchell as imports — a combination that blends overwhelming size with high-level professional experience. That strategy alone hints at flexibility and ambition, suggesting Macau is not entering merely to compete, but to contend.

     

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    Waiting for them is a Converge side that didn’t just tweak its roster — it transformed it.

    The FiberXers made a statement by acquiring Calvin Abueva from Titan, and they’re not just getting energy and edge. 

     

    Abueva finished last conference as the league’s scoring leader, a reminder that his relentless motor now comes with consistent offensive production. Add Jonnel Policarpio from NLEX and Kurt Reyson from Meralco to the mix, and Converge suddenly boasts a deeper, more versatile rotation on both ends.

     

    Inside, the team tapped 7-footer Kylor Kelley from the NBA G-League to anchor the paint, giving them legitimate rim protection to pair with their revamped perimeter attack.

     

    But perhaps the biggest key remains Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

    Fresh off a breakout Philippine Cup, Gomez de Liano led the league in triple-doubles, highlighted by a 32-point explosion against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that underscored his ability to take over big games. He capped the conference by steering Converge to the quarterfinals while averaging 19 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game — numbers that placed him firmly among the league’s rising stars.

     

    With Abueva’s scoring punch and Gomez de Liano’s all-around brilliance, the FiberXers enter the Commissioner’s Cup with legitimate momentum and heightened expectations.

     

    Beyond the marquee names, the conference itself carries added weight. The Commissioner’s Cup, traditionally featuring imports without height restrictions, often shifts the league’s competitive balance. Teams built around speed and spacing must now adjust to towering reinforcements and new tactical wrinkles.

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liaño says Converge is hungry to shake off underdog tag in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Juan Gomez de Liaño says Converge is hungry to shake off underdog tag in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Even with high-profile additions, Converge enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a chip on its shoulder.

     

    Juan Gomez de Liaño is candid about the FiberXers’ position as the league heads into the mid-season conference. 

     

    While the team has bolstered its lineup with veteran Calvin Abueva, former road warrior Jonnel Policarpio and Javee Mocon, and potentially Mikey Williams, Gomez de Liaño emphasizes that on-paper talent does not automatically translate to postseason success.

     

    “I’d say we’re coming in still as underdogs because we haven’t proven anything yet in the league. We haven’t gone past the quarterfinals,” Gomez de Liaño said, highlighting the team’s unfinished business despite last season’s quarterfinals berth.

     

    Converge will rely on its newly strengthened frontcourt, Abueva joining Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana — and the addition of import Kylor Kelley to finally break through the first-round barrier. The anticipated arrival of Williams could also provide the perimeter scoring and experience needed in clutch moments.

     

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    Gomez de Liaño also said, “I feel like now with the right pieces and the tools, I think we really have a chance to go past the first round especially, you know, with Calvin coming in. We also got Mikey Williams and the import as well.” 

     

    The PBA Commissioner’s Cup kicks off on March 11, with Converge facing the guest team Macau Black Bears. For Gomez de Liaño and his teammates, the focus is clear and that is to prove the team can go further than ever before.

     

    Chemistry remains the ultimate test for Converge. Integrating newcomers like Abueva, Policarpio, and potentially Mikey Williams into a cohesive unit will be critical if the team wants to move beyond the early playoff rounds. 

     

    Gomez de Liaño acknowledges that skill alone isn’t enough — the team must learn to operate seamlessly under pressure and develop trust across all positions.

     

    Beyond individual talent, Converge’s mindset is under scrutiny. The team aims to shed its underdog label, and that starts with approaching each game as a statement. 

     

    Every matchup in the Commissioner’s Cup is an opportunity to showcase growth, and for Converge, the stakes are as much about establishing identity as they are about winning.

     

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  • Calvin Abueva urges patience as Converge FiberXers build chemistry

    Calvin Abueva urges patience as Converge FiberXers build chemistry

    Early buzz around the Converge FiberXers continues to grow, but Calvin Abueva is making sure the conversation stays grounded.

     

    Despite the roster upgrades and rising expectations heading into the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Abueva believes the FiberXers are still in the early stages of building the identity they hope to carry into the midseason conference.

     

    The veteran forward spoke after Converge’s 92-87 tune-up victory over the Blackwater Bossing at the Gatorade Hoops Center, where flashes of potential were evident—but consistency and chemistry remain works in progress.

     

    “Actually, marami pang adjustment,” he said moments after their 92-87 win over Blackwater in a tuneup game at the Gatorade Hoops Center on Wednesday.

     

    “Hindi mo naman puwedeng sabihin na pagdating, agad-agad malakas, ‘di ba? Medyo hindi pa naman kumpleto ‘yung communication ng bawat isa sa amin.”

     

    Converge’s evolving roster has been one of the biggest storylines of the offseason. The league recently approved a three-team trade that sent Deschon Winston and Kevin Racal out while bringing in Jonnel Policarpio and Kurt Reyson from sister MVP Group squads. The move came shortly after the franchise secured Abueva himself in a separate deal—another signal that the young organization is aggressively reshaping its lineup.

     

    With the additions, optimism quickly followed. But Abueva stressed that talent alone does not instantly translate into results.

     

    “‘Yun muna ‘yung pag-aaralan namin para sa conference, mas mag-explode kami, mas maintindihan namin ang isa’t isa sa amin,” he offered.

     

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    “Kasi season na ‘yun eh. This time, kailangan namin trabahuhin kung paano ‘yung communication namin outside and inside the court.”

     

    Even for a seasoned player known for his relentless motor, the adjustment period has been real. Abueva admitted he is still learning the system under head coach Delta Pineda while managing minor physical discomfort from the team’s intense training sessions.

     

    Those minor aches forced him to sit out the preseason outing, though he clarified that the decision was purely precautionary.

     

    “In the first three days ko na nag-ensayo, OK naman. Nakakasabay. Pero ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, hindi ka makakagalaw hangga’t may iniinda ka,” he said.

     

    “‘Yun naman yung sinabi ko sa management, na hangga’t may iniinda ako, hindi ako makakagalaw. Pero ‘pag nawala ‘yan, automatic talaga, tatrabaho ako.”

     

    Still, beyond the adjustments and recovery process, Abueva sees something promising forming within the FiberXers’ locker room—particularly in the team’s competitive edge.

     

    “This time competitive na ‘yung team,” the Kapampangan star offered, “and ‘yun nga ‘yung maganda rito, mas double effort mga mangyayari sa amin.”

     

    For now, Converge’s transformation remains a work in progress—but if Abueva’s mindset is any indication, the FiberXers are prioritizing cohesion over hype as they prepare for the challenges of the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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  • “The NBA G-League gave me all I can take”: Converge’s new import Kylor Kelley on PBA move

    “The NBA G-League gave me all I can take”: Converge’s new import Kylor Kelley on PBA move

    The Converge FiberXers have made a major statement ahead of the 2025–26 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup by signing towering former NBA talent Kylor Kelley as their import. Standing at a formidable 7 feet, Kelley adds a rare combination of size, athleticism, and rim-protecting instincts that the FiberXers hope will transform their defensive presence in the mid-season tournament.

     

    Kelley, 28, made the bold decision to cut short his stint with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G-League in order to join Converge, signaling his desire to embrace a new challenge and pursue championship glory in the PBA. He already had a glimpse of life in Philippine hoops when he made his unofficial debut for the FiberXers in a tune-up game against the Blackwater Bossing, helping his team secure a 92-87 victory on Wednesday, February 25, at Hoops Gym in Mandaluyong City.

     

    “The G-League gave me all I can take from them, and I think it’s time to move on to another team and try to win a championship out here,” Kelley said after the game. “I had a couple of chasedown blocks, protected the rim, and I think that’s the big reason why I’m here — to be that defensive anchor, hold down the paint, and be that voice in the back line.”

     

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    The American center’s presence is expected to provide Converge with much-needed defensive stability, particularly in the paint, where the team has historically struggled to contain opposing big men. Kelley’s towering frame, combined with his experience in the NBA and G-League, gives the FiberXers a unique weapon on both ends of the court.

    Already, Kelley has gotten a taste of the kind of competition he will face in the Commissioner’s Cup. During his tune-up outing, he matched up against Blackwater’s star import Daniel Ochefu, who stands at 6-foot-11 — a figure that hints at the imposing opponents awaiting him once the official games begin. Converge fans can expect Kelley to face a slew of other giants, including 7-foot-3 Bol Bol of TNT Tropang Giga, 7-foot-6 Sam Deguara of Macau Black Bears, 7-foot Mubasha Ali of Terrafirma Dyip, and 6-foot-11 Marcus Lee of San Miguel Beermen.

     

    Despite the intimidating size of his future adversaries, Kelley remains unfazed. “It’s a little bit different for me. I think the tallest guy I have played against was 7-foot, so playing against a 7-foot-3 guy and a 7-foot-6 guy will be a little different. I just have to use my advantages, be able to run the floor, and outrun them,” he explained.

     

    Coaching staff and teammates have already noted Kelley’s professionalism and leadership on the court. His presence not only bolsters Converge’s defense but also provides a model for younger players, showing how athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ combine to dominate in the paint. With the Commissioner’s Cup now just weeks away, all eyes will be on Kelley to see if he can translate his NBA and G-League experience into tangible results for the FiberXers.

     

    If Kelley can establish himself as the defensive anchor he envisions, Converge could significantly alter the dynamics of the Commissioner’s Cup. The PBA will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this new addition measures up against some of the tallest and most skilled imports in recent memory — a challenge Kelley seems ready and eager to embrace.


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