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Tag: Jalen Hudson

  • 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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  • Phoenix, Converge bank on new import moves with BJ Johnson, Jalen Hudson for PBA Governors’ Cup

    Phoenix, Converge bank on new import moves with BJ Johnson, Jalen Hudson for PBA Governors’ Cup

    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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    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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