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Tag: Jamaal Franklin

  • 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 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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