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Tag: PBA Commissioner’s Cup

  • 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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  • Macau Black Knights open PBA campaign without Sam Deguara as giant center heads to Taiwan

    Macau Black Knights open PBA campaign without Sam Deguara as giant center heads to Taiwan

    A towering presence expected to headline the Macau Black Knights’ campaign in the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup will no longer be part of the team’s plans.


    When the Black Knights revealed their roster on their official social media page ahead of the conference, one name stood out for its absence—Sam Deguara, the 7-foot-6 center who had been anticipated to anchor the visiting squad.

     

    The Macau franchise, previously known as the Black Bears, is among the foreign guest teams set to compete in the mid-season tournament. 

     

    But instead of battling inside the paint in the Philippines, Deguara appears to have taken his talents elsewhere.

     

    Reports indicate the towering big man has signed with Yankey Ark in Taiwan’s P. LEAGUE+, with the deal believed to have been finalized as early as the first week of February. 

     

    The move was later confirmed by head coach Garret Kelly in response to a fan inquiry online about the center’s whereabouts.

     

    For teams preparing for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Deguara’s absence means one less towering matchup in the paint.

     

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    Instead, Macau will rely heavily on its other reinforcement, Tony Mitchell, who had originally been expected to share import duties with Deguara. 

     

    The plan was for the two to rotate throughout the tournament—a setup allowed for guest teams since the league began inviting foreign squads.

     

    With Deguara now out of the picture, Mitchell could shoulder the import responsibilities alone unless the Black Knights decide to bring in another reinforcement. So far, the team has not announced whether a replacement is on the way.

     

    Despite shifting teams, Deguara wasted no time making an impact in Taiwan. He debuted for Yankey Ark over the weekend, producing 20 points and 12 rebounds to help secure a victory.

     

    Back in Manila, the focus now shifts to Macau’s opening assignment in the PBA conference. The Black Knights will headline opening day on March 11, facing the Converge FiberXers in the 7:30 p.m. game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Whether Mitchell alone will be enough to carry the visiting team remains to be seen—but one thing is certain, the Commissioner’s Cup will unfold without one of the tallest players expected to take part. 

     

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  • Calvin Oftana cautions against high expectations for TNT import Bol Bol

    Calvin Oftana cautions against high expectations for TNT import Bol Bol

    The arrival of Bol Bol has instantly made TNT one of the most talked-about teams ahead of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    But for Tropang Giga forward Calvin Oftana, the presence of the 7-foot-3 former NBA big man doesn’t automatically translate to a championship repeat.

     

    Speaking on the sidelines of the PBA All-Star Weekend, Oftana stressed that reputation alone won’t decide the outcome of games once the conference begins.

     

    “Hindi naman porke ganito yung import ninyo, ganun ang import ninyo,” said Oftana.

     

    “Pagdating naman kasi sa laro iba na yung mindset nun. Lahat gustong manalo.”

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas forward admitted he has yet to spend much time on the court with Bol as he was busy with national team duties during the recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers before turning his attention to rehabilitating an ankle injury.

     

    Because of that, Oftana said he hasn’t been able to fully gauge where the towering reinforcement currently stands in terms of conditioning.

     

    “So far OK naman siya pero sabi nga nila wala raw sa kundisyon,” he said.

     

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    Fortunately for TNT, the team still has time to build chemistry before opening its campaign. The Tropang Giga are scheduled to play their first game of the conference on March 20 against Rain or Shine.

     

    Despite the attention surrounding Bol’s arrival, Oftana shared that the South Sudanese-American has kept a low-key presence within the team.

     

    “Approachable naman siya, pero mahinhin,” said the former NCAA MVP from San Beda.

     

    “Pero ganun naman ang mga import. Dati si Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson) ganun din naman. Pero kalaunan nung naglalaro na kami, nakukuha na namin yung loob niya. And napapatawa na siya ng mga kasama ko.”

     

    Even as TNT prepares to defend its crown, Oftana believes the road to another title will be far from easy.

     

    He pointed to several contenders who could stand in the way of the Tropang Giga’s bid, including powerhouse teams San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, along with guest squad Macau Black Bears.

     

    “Maraming quality imports na dumating ngayon this conference,” Oftana admitted.

     

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  • Marvin Jones in as Meralco parts ways with Ismael Romero for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Marvin Jones in as Meralco parts ways with Ismael Romero for PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The Meralco Bolts are heading into the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup with a new reinforcement, opting to bring in veteran big man Marvin Jones as their import.

     

    The decision effectively ends the team’s plans to field Ismael Romero in the midseason tournament, which opens on March 11. The move also clarified why Meralco’s import slot remained vacant when the league released its official team lineups last Friday.

     

    Initially, Romero was expected to continue his partnership with the Bolts after previously suiting up for the club during the 2025–26 campaign in the East Asia Super League. His familiarity with the system made him an early choice for the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    However, circumstances changed following an incident during the Dubai International Basketball Championship earlier this year. While playing for Al Ahli Tripoli against the Zamboanga Valientes, Romero drew controversy after kicking former PBA winger Nick Demusis.

     

    Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo confirmed the team’s decision during the radio program Power & Play.

     

    “We just felt it was time for him and for us not to line him up this conference,” said Trillo.

     

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    Instead, the Bolts are banking on Jones’ size and defensive presence as they prepare for the grueling midseason tournament. Standing at 7 feet, the Chicago-born center is known for his rim protection and international experience.

     

    Jones recently captured the FIBA Europe Cup title with Spanish club Bilbao Basket, helping the team defeat Greece’s PAOK mateco in the championship round. 

     

    Meralco believes Jones’ defensive ability will complement a core group led by Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, and rising guard CJ Cansino as the team looks to make a strong push in the conference.

     

    The Bolts will open their campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup on March 18 against the Converge FiberXers at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

     

    For Meralco, the arrival of Jones signals a reset heading into the new conference — one that emphasizes defensive presence and veteran stability as the team chases another deep playoff run in PBA Season 50.

     

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  • Tony Mitchell named starting import for Macau Black Bears in 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Tony Mitchell named starting import for Macau Black Bears in 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The Macau Black Bears will begin their 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign with Tony Mitchell as their starting import.


    The 6-foot-7 American power forward was listed as the team’s official reinforcement in the roster submitted ahead of the mid-season tournament, putting him at the forefront of Macau’s opening lineup.

     

    Mitchell brings previous PBA experience into the role. He last played in the league during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup, where he suited up for NLEX and made his presence felt with his athleticism and scoring ability.

     

    This time around, Mitchell is expected to lead the Black Bears on both ends of the floor as the guest squad looks to challenge the league’s established contenders.

     

    Serving as insurance behind him is towering Maltese center Sam Deguara. Although the 7-foot-5 big man was not included in the official roster, he is set to act as Mitchell’s backup option should Macau decide to make a change at the import spot during the conference.

     

    Macau will open its campaign on March 11 against the Converge FiberXers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, marking the team’s first appearance in this season’s Commissioner’s Cup.

     

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    The Black Bears’ lineup also features several players familiar with the regional basketball scene. Ramon Cao is making his return to the PBA after previously playing for Hong Kong Eastern in last year’s edition of the tournament.

     

    Jenning Leung, a Brent International School alumnus, is also part of the roster, adding another link between Macau’s squad and Philippine basketball.

     

    Completing the lineup are Chao Xingzhao, Zhu Zhaojing, Damian Chongqui, Phoenix Shackelford, Liu Wenke, Li Jiashuo, Sun Meng, Li Xiaoxu, Li Zijie, Wang Yingran, Lao Chonpong, Chan Lihsing, and Gao Yufeng.

     

    The Black Bears will be guided by head coach Garret Kelly, with Rich Alvarez, Denzel Wong, Ram Manalang, and Wong Chichong serving as his assistants.

     

    Jacque Ruby will serve as team representative, while Mark Dandan takes on the duties of team manager as Macau prepares for its PBA stint.

     

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  • Meralco still searching for import as Commissioner’s Cup opener nears

    Meralco still searching for import as Commissioner’s Cup opener nears

    Time is ticking for Meralco as the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup approaches, yet one key piece of its roster puzzle remains unresolved.

     

    With only 12 days left before the Bolts open their campaign, the team has yet to officially name its import, leaving a notable vacancy in the lineup released by the franchise on Friday.

     

    The absence of a designated reinforcement raised eyebrows, especially since Puerto Rican big man Ismael Romero had long been linked to the role. Romero had been working with the team during its stint in the East Asia Super League, fueling speculation that he would carry the import duties once the conference begins.

     

    But uncertainty surrounding Romero’s situation may have complicated those plans.

     

    The 6-foot-8 forward recently drew attention for the wrong reasons during the Dubai International Basketball Championship in January while playing for Al Ahli Tripoli. In a heated moment during a game, Romero kicked former PBA player Nick Demusis, sparking controversy. The incident has lingered in basketball circles, and Romero has yet to publicly apologize.

     

    Whether Meralco ultimately sticks with Romero or looks elsewhere for a reinforcement remains to be seen as the countdown to the conference continues.

     

    While the import slot remains undecided, the Bolts have already finalized much of their local core, including several players who will be making their PBA debuts with the team. 

     

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    Jason Brickman and Vince Magbuhos are set to suit up for Meralco after completing their commitments in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League last year. Their arrival adds fresh playmaking and depth to a roster eager to make a deeper run in the mid-season conference.

     

    Veteran guard Chris Newsome is expected to spearhead Meralco’s campaign after another strong season, supported by a familiar cast that includes Aaron Black, Chris Banchero, Cliff Hodge, and Anjo Caram.

     

    Also returning to the fold are Bong Quinto, Raymond Almazan, Allein Maliksi, Jansen Rios, Kyle Pascual, Brandon Bates, and CJ Cansino, while newly acquired forward Javee Mocon strengthens the team’s frontcourt rotation.

     

    The Bolts are looking to bounce back after bowing out in the quarterfinals of last year’s Commissioner’s Cup, and the organization hopes the current lineup can push the team deeper into the playoffs this time around.

     

    Meralco begins its campaign on March 18 against the Converge FiberXers at the Ynares Center, by which time the Bolts will need to have their import situation settled.

     

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  • Deal reached between Greg Slaughter and Titan Ultra, PBA now set to approve

    Deal reached between Greg Slaughter and Titan Ultra, PBA now set to approve

    After a five-year absence, Greg Slaughter is on the verge of returning to the PBA — but his comeback hinges on a single critical step, the approval from the league.


    Slaughter and the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, the team holding his playing rights, have agreed on terms for a contract that could finally see the towering seven-footer back on the court.

     

    For Slaughter, the priority is clear, “The first order of business for Greg here is to return to the PBA and re-introduce himself to the fans while at the same time, show his value as a rare 7-0 center,” the source said.

     

    “Greg, in consultation with his wife and advisers, has agreed to receive an amount slightly lower from what he was offered at Northport three years ago,” said a source close to the negotiations.

     

    The contract is reportedly ready for signing, leaving only the PBA’s green light as the final obstacle — especially amid whispers of a ‘silent ban’ following his contentious exit from NorthPort in 2021.

     

    “Basta ang mangyayari dyan, ipapasa ng Titan Ultra yung UPC nil ani Greg sa PBA. Kapag hindi nakalaro si Greg, eh dun na siguro masasagot yung tanong at duda ng marami,” said another PBA insider.

     

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    “Kasi ang illogical naman ng Titan Ultra kung may chance ka to get a 7-footer tapos hindi mo gagawin. Eh yan ang wala sa PBA ngayon. Local na big man na pwede mong itapat kay June Mar (Fajardo),” she added.

     

    Titan Ultra’s interest in Slaughter has been unwavering since meeting him on the first day of team practice last February 3. 

     

    The urgency increased when star player Calvin Abueva demanded a trade, eventually joining the Converge FiberXers, leaving Titan Ultra without a proven big man.

     

    “If hindi tutulungan ng PBA ang Titan Ultra to sign up Greg. kawawa yung bagong team kasi wala silang chance lumakas ulit. This will not bode well for the league. Kasi magiging whipping boys lang sa liga yung team,” said the source.

     

    “The rights of Greg is with Titan Ultra, Titan Ultra wants to use that asset. Tapos hindi mangyayari, unfair yun sa team,” he added.

     

    With the PBA now holding the fate of both Slaughter and Titan Ultra in its hands, the league faces a high-stakes decision. 

     

    Approve the signing, and a former giant returns. Hesitate, and the newest franchise risks starting its journey at a significant disadvantage.

     

    The league’s decision will also set a precedent for how the PBA handles player rights and comebacks, particularly for high-profile stars returning after extended absences. Observers note that approving Slaughter’s signing could signal the PBA’s willingness to support new teams in building competitive rosters

     

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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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  • Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine brace for towering tests in Commissioner’s Cup opening games 

    Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine brace for towering tests in Commissioner’s Cup opening games 

    Size will greet Rain or Shine Elasto Painters the moment the Commissioner’s Cup tips off.

     

    In a conference known for unleashing high-impact imports, Rain or Shine may have drawn the most daunting opening stretch of all in the Philippine Basketball Association 50th Season. Their first two assignments? A 7-foot-6 giant and a 7-foot-3 former NBA mainstay.

     

    The Elasto Painters begin their campaign on March 14 at the Ynares Center Montalban against guest team Macau Black Bears, which is set to parade Sam Deguara. At 7-foot-6, Deguara is poised to become the tallest player ever to suit up in the league’s 50-year history — a literal and symbolic reminder of how this midseason tournament shifts the competitive landscape.

     

    Six days later, the challenge only intensifies. Rain or Shine heads to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for a March 20 clash with TNT Tropang Giga, where 7-foot-3 Bol Bol will make his much-anticipated PBA debut. With a six-year NBA résumé from 2019 to 2025, Bol arrives not merely as a tall reinforcement but as one of the most decorated imports in the field.

     

    For a Rain or Shine squad built more on speed and grit than sheer height, the early matchups present a puzzle.

     

    “Problema talaga ‘yan,” admitted head coach Yeng Guiao when asked how his team plans to deal with towering reinforcements like Deguara and Bol.

     

    “I think we will only know how we can look for a scheme to siguro not to totally neutralize them but make them a little bit less effective when we see them play mismo. What we can do now is rely on the videos and past tapes nila, past performances. But iba pa rin ‘yung mag-adapt sila sa style ng PBA,” Guiao said.

     

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    The veteran tactician, known for squeezing advantages out of undermanned lineups, is approaching the challenge cautiously.

     

    “We will see how they will adapt. We will see if they have any weaknesses kung may weakness sila. We will try to do something to counter their size. Ang nakakatakot baka wala silang weakness,” Guiao added.

     

    Among the two, Bol looms as the greater concern.

     

    “Si Bol Bol, napapanood ko naman sa NBA, napapanood ko naman highlights niya. I think he will be a problem among all the imports. Ang pinakamalaking concern ko si Bol Bol. Wala pa kaming nakikitang paraan para mapigilan siya.”

     

    “He can own the paint, offense and defense. He is a human cheat code actually,” Guiao said.

     

    The Commissioner’s Cup has always been a tournament where matchups dictate destiny. For Rain or Shine, destiny arrives early — and it stands well over seven feet tall.

     

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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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