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Converge FiberXers

The Converge FiberXers are a professional basketball team owned by Converge ICT. The team competes in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The franchise began after acquiring the former Alaska Aces franchise on March 23, 2022.[1]

Converge FiberXers
2024–25 Converge FiberXers season
Converge FiberXers logo
Founded2022
HistoryConverge FiberXers (2022–present)
Team colorsPurple, teal, black, white
       
CompanyConverge ICT
Board governorArchen Cayabyab
CK Kanapi-Daniolco (alternate)
Team managerJacob Lao
Dennis Pineda (assistant)
Head coachFranco Atienza (interim)
Team captainKevin Racal
Mike Nieto
OwnershipDennis Anthony Uy

History

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Formation

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On February 16, 2022, Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) announced that the Alaska Aces would leave the PBA at the end of the 2021 Governors' Cup. This was due to a directive by FrieslandCampina, parent company of AMC.[2]

Several companies expressed interest to buy the Aces or its franchise.[3] The prospect company could retain the Alaska Aces team if they bought the franchise within the ongoing season.[4] In the event the franchise was not sold within the ongoing season, the PBA would place the players in a dispersal draft.[3]

On March 23, the PBA announced the sale of the Alaska Aces to Converge ICT. The sale was unanimously approved by the PBA Board of Governors.[1] Smart Communications, the owner of TNT Tropang Giga and a business competitor of Converge, was noted for not blocking Converge's entry into the PBA.[5] Former PBA commissioner Chito Salud serves as the board governor of the new team.[6] On April 2, the team announced that Jeffrey Cariaso, who was the last head coach of the former Aces team prior to the sale of the franchise, was retained as head coach.[7]

On April 5, Converge ICT formally unveiled their team under the name Converge FiberXers.[8] It was also announced that the assistant coaches of the former Alaska team were retained.[9] Erstwhile Alaska Aces board governor and team manager Richard Bachmann served as the assistant team manager of the FiberXers.[10]

2022–23 season

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Philippine Cup

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Before the Philippine Cup, their 2023 first-round pick was traded to NLEX for Tyrus Hill and David Murrell.[11] Converge also traded Kurt Lojera to Blackwater Bossing for bigman Yousef Taha.[12] In mid-conference, Converge traded Robbie Herndon for 2023 and 2024 San Miguel Beermen's second-round pick.[13] They also traded Ben Adamos, and Kurt Lojera to Phoenix Fuel Masters for Aljun Melecio, and Kris Porter.[14]

Under Cariaso, Converge's first conference was rough, placed 7th in the standings and faced TNT Tropang Giga in the quarterfinals, but the Tropang Giga have twice to beat advantage, and defeated Converge in one game.[15][16][17]

Commissioner's Cup

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In August 2022, Cariaso was released as the head coach of the team and was replaced by Aldin Ayo.[18][19] Converge traded Michael DiGregorio, Tyrus Hill, and RK Ilagan to Blackwater Bossing for Barkley Eboña and TNT's 2022 first-round pick.[20] They also traded Allyn Bulanadi for Jerrick Balanza to NorthPort Batang Pier.[21] The team paraded Quincy Miller as their import for the conference, but notable for being benched in some games due to his undisciplined behavior like being late in practice.[22]

In Ayo's first conference as coach, he led the team into quarterfinals, only swept by San Miguel Beermen in two games.[23][24][25]

Governors' Cup

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Converge signed free-agent Bradwyn Guinto,[26] And Danny Ildefonso reactivated in the roster due to injuries to other players.[27]

Like their inaugural conference, Converge placed 7th and defeated by San Miguel Beermen in one game.[28]

2023–24 season

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Before the season start, Converge drafted Schonny Winston, and BJ Andrade. Team also signed Keith Zaldivar,[29] Mac Tallo,[30] resigned Kevin Racal,[31] Jerrick Balanza,[32] Aljun Melecio,[33] Justin Arana,[34] and Alec Stockton.[35] But they released Maverick Ahanmisi to Ginebra,[36] Jeron Teng,[37] Barkley Eboña,[38] and Mac Tallo, who have been terminated because of playing "ligang labas".[39]

They also traded David Murrell and Abu Tratter, for Adrian Wong, and 2023 Magnolia's first-round pick.[40] The team also traded the 2024 and 2025 Converge second-round pick to Rain or Shine for Mike Nieto.[41]

In the middle of the Philippine Cup (season-ending conference in that season), Converge traded Jerrick Balanza for Magnolia Hotshots' 2024 second-round pick.[42]

The season was notable for two conference for the national team preparations, but both with dismal performance for Converge. The losses was rumored to be a tanking tactic by the team in order to get the first overall pick in the next year's draft, but Aldin Ayo dismisses the allegations.[43][44]

2024–25 season

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Philippine Cup

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In 2024 draft, Converge selected Justin Baltazar, an ex-La Salle bigman who also played for Ayo.[45] But Baltazar will finish first the 2024 MPBL season with Pampanga as per his contract with the team.[46][47]

But before the season start, Ayo resigned as head coach and McJour Luib as lead assistant coach. Longtime assistant Franco Atienza was appointed as interim coach.[48] In addition, Benilde Blazers head coach Charles Tiu joined the coaching staff.[49][50]

Current roster

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Main article: Converge FiberXers all-time roster
Converge FiberXers roster
Players Coaches
Pos. # POB Name Height Weight DOB (YYYY–MM–DD) From
F 0 Thailand  Fornilos, Inand 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Ateneo
F 1 United States  Vigan-Fleming, Kamron 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 183 lb (83 kg) 1998–12–23 Bethesda
G/F 2 Hong Kong  Andrade, BJ 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1996–07–26 Ateneo
G 3 Australia  Heading, Jordan 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 189 lb (86 kg) 1996–01–30 Cal Baptist
F/C 4 New Zealand  Maagdenberg, Patrick Injured  6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 242 lb (110 kg) 1997–04–25 Ateneo
G 5 Philippines  Cabagnot, Alex 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1982–12–08 Hawaiʻi–Hilo
F 7 Philippines  Nieto, Mike (C) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1997–05–31 Ateneo
G/F 8 United States  Winston, Schonny 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 1998–07–22 De La Salle
F/C 9 Philippines  Javillonar, Paolo (R) 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) Letran
G 12 United States  Stockton, Alec 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998–06–24 Far Eastern
C 15 Philippines  Arana, Justin 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 231 lb (105 kg) 1999–03–21 Arellano
F 16 Philippines  Racal, Kevin (C) 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1991–05–16 Letran
F/C 18 Philippines  Ambohot, Jeo 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 193 lb (88 kg) 1996–11–18 Letran
G 23 Philippines  delos Santos, JL 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 176 lb (80 kg) José Rizal
F 26 Philippines  Santos, Bryan 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 209 lb (95 kg) 1997–05–26 UST
F 27 Philippines  Caralipio, King 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 176 lb (80 kg) Letran
C 31 Mali  Diallo, Cheick (CI) 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 219 lb (99 kg) 1996–09–13 Kansas
F/C – Philippines  Baltazar, Justine (DP) 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 250 lb (113 kg) 1997–02–19 De La Salle
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Team manager


Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (CI) Commissioner's Cup Import
  • (GI) Governors' Cup Import
  • (EI) EASL Import
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (IN) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • (R) Rookie
  • Injured  Injured

Roster


Season-by-season records

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Main article: List of Converge FiberXers seasons
Records from the 2024–25 PBA season:
Conf. Team name Elimination round Playoffs
Finish W L PCT Stage Results
GOV Converge FiberXers 3rd in Group A 6 4 .600 Quarterfinals San Miguel 3, Converge 2
COM TBD TBD TBD – TBD TBD
PHI TBD TBD TBD – TBD TBD
Total elimination round 6 4 .600 TBD
Total playoffs 2 3 .400 TBD
Total 2024–25 8 7 .533 TBD
Total franchise 30 45 .400 0 Championships

*one-game playoffs
**team had the twice-to-beat advantage

Awards

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Individual awards

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PBA Most Improved Player PBA Rookie of the Year Award

PBA Press Corps Individual Awards

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All-Rookie Team

All-Star Weekend

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Slam Dunk Contest

References

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  1. ^ a b "PBA board approves sale of Alaska franchise to Converge ICT Solutions". PBA.ph. March 23, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  2. ^ Catacutan, Dodo (February 16, 2022). "Alaska to bid the PBA goodbye at the end of the conference". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Five companies look to buy Alaska franchise says Willie Marcial". Dugout Philippines. March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  4. ^ Terrado, Reuben (March 19, 2022). "Cariaso hopes Alaska core kept as company in 'deep talks' to buy franchise". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  5. ^ Dalupang, Denison Rey (March 24, 2022). "Despite being Smart/PLDT's industry rival, Converge gets unanimous vote as newest PBA franchise". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  6. ^ "Former commissioner Chito Salud returns to PBA as governor of Converge". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. March 23, 2022.
  7. ^ Terrado, Reuben (April 2, 2022). "Converge retains Jeff Cariaso as head coach". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  8. ^ "Converge co-owners Dennis and Grace Uy unveil FiberXers". PBA.ph. April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  9. ^ "Cariaso eyes one more deputy to intact Converge coaching staff". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  10. ^ Mendoza, Val Jose (April 5, 2022). "Converge introduces new PBA team that go by the "Fiber Xers"". Yugatech. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  11. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "NLEX sending Dave Murrell, Tyrus Hill to Converge for draft pick". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  12. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Blackwater trades rookie Kurt Lojera to Converge for Yousef Taha". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  13. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Robbie Herndon traded to SMB for two future second-round picks". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  14. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "PBA approves Converge-Phoenix trade as Melecio, Ayo reunite". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  15. ^ Terrado, Reuben. "Full-strength TNT makes short work of playoffs debutant Converge". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  16. ^ Ventura, Sid (July 27, 2022). "What we learned as TNT brushed aside Converge to book Philippine Cup semi berth". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  17. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (July 27, 2022). "TNT rides on Mikey Williams' hot hand to rip Converge, reach semis". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  18. ^ "Cariaso accepts Converge exit, but wishes he had more time with team". RAPPLER. August 9, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  19. ^ Micaller, Bea (August 10, 2022). "It's official: Aldin Ayo takes over coaching reins for Converge". GMA News Online. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  20. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "DiGregorio, Ilagan, Hill to Blackwater as Converge gets Ebona, draft pick". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  21. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Balanza, Ayo reunite as Converge trades Bulanadi to NorthPort". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  22. ^ Terrado, Reuben. "Quincy Miller benched for being late for practice a day after birthday party". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  23. ^ Terrado, Jonas (January 21, 2023). "PBA: Jorge Gallent named San Miguel head coach ahead of Governors' Cup". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
  24. ^ Dioquino, Delfin (December 7, 2022). "Heroes aplenty as San Miguel zeroes in on PBA semis after whipping Converge". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  25. ^ Bacnis, Justine (December 10, 2022). "PBA: San Miguel too much for Converge, takes on Bay Area in semis". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  26. ^ Li, Matthew (January 27, 2023). "Free agent Bradwyn Guinto signs with Converge". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  27. ^ "Danny I makes PBA comeback with Converge". pba.ph. March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  28. ^ Terrado, Reuben. "No. 2 seed San Miguel pulls plug on Converge playoff bid". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  29. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Magnolia letting go of Keith Zaldivar leads to Converge signing". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  30. ^ Anzures, Rom. "PBA: Mac Tallo makes PBA return with Converge". news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  31. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Converge signs big man Kevin Racal to new two-year deal". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  32. ^ Terrado, Reuben. "Converge signs Jerrick Balanza to contract extension". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  33. ^ "Aljun Melecio renews contract with #ConvergeFiberXers". Instagram. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  34. ^ Badua, Snow (March 16, 2024). "Converge resists trade offers, signs Arana, Stockton to maximum contracts". Spin.ph. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  35. ^ Badua, Snow (March 16, 2024). "Converge resists trade offers, signs Arana, Stockton to maximum contracts". Spin.ph. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  36. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Ahanmisi gets three-year contract with new team Ginebra". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  37. ^ Ramos, Gerry (September 20, 2023). "Converge not signing Jeron Teng to a contract extension". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  38. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Free agent Barkley Ebona signed to one-year deal by TNT". Spin.ph. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  39. ^ "Converge terminates Mac Tallo contract for 'ligang labas' violation". Spin.ph. February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  40. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Tratter, Murrell traded to Magnolia as Converge gets Wong, 1st-round pick". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  41. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Converge acquires Mike Nieto in trade with Rain or Shine". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  42. ^ Badua, Snow. "Magnolia acquires Jerrick Balanza from Converge for second-round pick". Spin.ph. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  43. ^ "Aldin Ayo debunks tanking allegations: 'That's unfair'". Tiebreaker Times. December 13, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  44. ^ "Is Converge tanking? Coach Ayo responds". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  45. ^ Ramos, Gerry (July 3, 2024). "Consensus No. 1 pick Justine Baltazar applies for PBA draft again". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  46. ^ Villanueva, Ralph Edwin (July 14, 2024). "Converge-bound Baltazar is No. 1 pick in PBA Draft". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  47. ^ "Baltazar likely to finish MPBL season before moving to PBA". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  48. ^ Terrado, Reuben. "Aldin Ayo out as Converge coach in stunning split". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  49. ^ Ramos, Gerry. "Charles Tiu joins rejigged Converge coaching staff". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  50. ^ "'Work to be done' as Toroman plans new system for Converge". INQUIRER.net. August 4, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
Preceded by PBA teams genealogies
2022 		Succeeded by
(incumbent)
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