The Converge FiberXers just gave a lifeline to their sagging PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoff hopes on Wednesday with a win over the TNT Tropang 5G. Now, they’re looking to jumpstart it completely back to life by bringing in a new import in Donovan Smith, who previously played for the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2024–25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Veteran scribe Quinito broke the news on his X account, saying: “Former Phoenix import Donovan Smith arrived the other day and will play for Converge against Phoenix at Araneta on Sunday…Kelley will stay in town in case there is a need to reactivate…Converge hopes to make it back-to-back wins after stunning TNT last night.”
Donovan Smith Brings a Different Style
A 6-foot-10 big man, Donovan Smith is the antithesis of Kylor Kelley, the reinforcement he will reportedly replace. While Kelley is a mobile, athletic, and defensive-oriented center, Smith is a burly but nimble big who packs a well-rounded offensive game.
In his lone season with Phoenix, Smith averaged 30.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 blocks while showing off a solid post game, a feathery touch from the outside, and a knack for putting up points in bunches. In contrast, Kelley, in nine games with Converge this conference, has averaged only 11.6 points to go along with his 14.4 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game.
In Wednesday’s victory over TNT, Kelley was all but a non-factor, scoring a measly 4 points on 2-for-7 shooting. He had 9 boards, no blocks, and was a –6 in the 30 minutes he played.
Converge in Need of a Sweep
Donovan Smith will be thrown in the fire right away, as Converge needs to win its remaining three games to even have a chance at making it to the quarterfinals.
Interestingly, he will be suiting up against the very team that first brought him over to the PBA two seasons ago in Phoenix. Currently at 5-3, the Fuel Masters ought to be an acid test right away for Smith and the FiberXers, as the Charles Tiu-helmed squad has been playing well as of late.
