The Converge FiberXers had a winning debut in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup against the Macau Black Knights thanks mainly to Alec Stockton, Justin Arana, and Archie Concepcion. But Converge also drew a solid outing from newcomer Jonnel Policarpio and a fourth-quarter boost from the returning Mikey Williams.
Policarpio’s and Williams’ contributions weren’t lost on Converge coach Delta Pineda, who appears to be a big believer in both this early.
Jonnel Policarpio: Talented and Fearless
After the game, Pineda was asked about his new players, who are expected to help the FiberXers reach new heights—maybe a semis stint at least, or even a title. Pineda is particularly high on Policarpio, the 6-foot-5 wing Converge acquired from the NLEX Road Warriors.
“Alam ninyo naman talented yang bata na yan,” Pineda said of Policarpio. “Even when he’s in NLEX, talented na talaga yung bata na ‘yan.”
Pineda didn’t stop there, pointing out one trait, in particular, that he believes will make Jonnel Policarpio a key contributor: He’s fearless.
“One good thing with Jonnel, may tapang yung bata. Hindi mo siya makikitang mara-rattle. A good help sa team si Jonnel,” Pineda added of the former La Salle Green Archers standout, who fired 13 points on top of 5 rebounds and 3 assists against Macau.
Mikey Williams: Back But Not All the Way Back
As for Williams, Pineda is seemingly taking a long-view approach, as he reminded reporters that the former PBA Finals MVP still has a lot of catching up to do. Even so, the rookie coach pointed out what’s essentially obvious: Williams is still dangerous.
“Wala pa talaga. Marami pang hahabulin si Mikey,” Pineda acknowledged after Williams played only in the fourth quarter against the Black Knights. “Pero [he’s] still a threat inside.”
As proof, Pineda pointed out how Williams changed the Converge offense in the fourth quarter when he took over point guard duties.
“Nag-iba yung momentum ng offense namin when Mikey became the point. Nai-set niya lahat,” Pineda said.
True enough, Williams had 3 dimes in the fourth quarter to finish tied with import Kylor Kelley with a plus/minus of +11 despite going 0-for-4 from the field. That only means the two-time champ is only going to get better once he gets in the groove.
Jonnel Policarpio, Mikey Williams, and the rest of the FiberXers return to action on Saturday when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
