If Delta Pineda proves prescient in his assessment, teams and fans will be best served to keep an eye on the Converge FiberXers.
The FiberXers are still fresh from an underwhelming PBA Commissioner’s Cup where they failed to make the playoffs even after fortifying the lineup with two-time PBA Finals MVP Mikey Williams, multiple-time champion Calvin Abueva, and rising star Jonnel Policarpio.
But if Converge’s 104-75 demolition of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on Sunday is any indication, this team is ready to turn over a new leaf and fulfill its immense potential.
Converge’s Commissioner’s Cup Issues Have Been Addressed
One big reason for optimism, at least according to Pineda, is that Converge has already addressed the two main issues that contributed to the team’s uneven play in the midseason tourney: lack of chemistry and the wrong import.
“Everybody knows na sa import kami nagkaro’n ng problema that time. ’Yong expected namin na delivery ng import, ’di naibigay,” Pineda told reporters after the FiberXers’ nearly wire-to-wire victory. “Some of our players, bago rin noon. Two reasons no’n, import and chemistry. Right now, nabigyan kami ng tamang oras, ’yong chemistry ando’n na, wala ng hiyaan ngayon ’tong mga ’to.”
Pineda is right on both aspects. His FiberXers have had a full conference and an offseason to work on their chemistry and familiarity with both the system and one another. They also have an import who looks like the perfect fit.
Jalen Hudson Gets Pineda’s Thumbs-Up
In his PBA return, Jalen Hudson fired 20 points on top of 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. But more than the numbers, the former TNT Tropang 5G reinforcement played within the Converge system and moved the ball around, often allowing his teammates to play-make and to get theirs. Still, from time to time, Hudson gave emphatic reminders that he is the kind of import who can drop 56 points if he wants.
“’Yong binigay na tulong ni Jalen right now, malaking bagay rin. Nakapaglaro na siya rito and if you talk to him na he needs to work, ando’n siya,” Pineda said of Hudson. “In terms of defense, good din ang pinakita niya right now.”
Incidentally, Converge’s import last conference for most of the way, Kylor Kelley, was also good on defense. Unfortunately, his offensive game was non-existent, leaving the locals to do all the heavy lifting on that end.
Now, Converge has a two-way import. They’ve had time together.
There are no more excuses.
