CHICAGO - After stumbling out of the gates early, Converge has gained steam in the ongoing PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup.
Thanks to a two-game winning streak, the FiberXers climbed to a 4-6 won-lost record, suggesting that a sleeping giant has awakened.
READ Converge wins by a mile as Phoenix import sits out
Following a series of missteps induced by injuries and roster compatibility issues, the FiberXers finally looked cohesive and mighty.
They beat title-favorite TNT, 97-92, last Wednesday before walloping import-less Phoenix, 130-103 this past Sunday.
While Converge is in a much better spot right now, it’s still a long way from plucking playoffs cigars out of the humidor.
TOUGH ROAD AHEAD.
“Need namin ipanalo ang last two games tapos si God na bahala,” coach Dennis 'Delta' Pineda told me via text message.
Which means beating NLEX on May 2 and Blackwater on May 9 won’t be enough.
The stars would have to align in a way where Phoenix (5-4), San Miguel (4-5) or Magnolia (4-5) will drift out of the Top Eight at the end of the elimination round.
Meanwhile, Pineda brushed off the social media hate pelted towards the
franchise during their slump.
“Part lang ng PBA ang mga bashers. You just need to listen and analyze their comments at makakatulong din naman ang constructive criticism.”
NO COACHING ISSUES.
The concurrent Pampanga vice-governor defended the work he and his staff have done.
“Wala sa coaching. Chemistry, injuries and the import were the problem areas,” Pineda said, adding that “same lang coaching system namin and coach Rajko Toroman has been with me since the MPBL pa.”
Regarding the much-speculated import switch, Pineda revealed that the plug was pulled after Kylor Kelley’s “low output” versus Magnolia and TNT.
As for the other prized asset, Mikey Williams, the team is excited about the possibilities.
“Malaki paniwala namin na makabalik siya,“ Pineda said of the Mikey version that was a two-time PBA champion and two-time Finals MVP.
Though his shooting is still off, 0-for-5 from 4, 12-of-45 from 3 and 26-of-67 from 2, Mikey is beginning to get his legs underneath him.
And once he returns to elite form, Converge will be a powerhouse contender for more conferences to come.
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