THE performance of Jamaal Franklin has essentially sealed his place as Converge’s permanent import for the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Franklin scored 42 points in his first game with the FiberXers after taking over from Ethan Rushbatch, who was relegated to the injured/reserve list. The 31-year-old Franklin had seven threes, an integral part of Converge’s system under head coach Aldin Ayo, on their way to a 130-115 win over Terrafirma.
READ: Franklin hits 42 in sizzling Converge debut
By putting Rushbatch on the injured/reserve list, Converge still has the option to replace Franklin. But it looks like Converge has found a keeper.
“I think we will go with Jamaal. Siguro we are going to stick with him. We will make sure na mag-fit siya sa ginagawa namin,” said Ayo.
Franklin said he has only been in the country for five days and practiced with the team for just the last two, yet still succeeded in finding his rhythm.
“I got here Saturday morning. Coach and coach Franco (assistant coach), the coaching staff, and our strength and conditioning coach, they made sure that I got my legs back. I’ve been here a week. All the credit goes to the coaching staff for preparing me for the game,” said Franklin.
Franklin said he still has a lot to learn from the Converge system since Ayo is a detail-oriented coach.
“We’ve got a great coach. He knows the Xs and Os. The last two days I’ve been here, he is preaching the details that made us win the game,” said Franklin.
Ayo said Converge having already settled for its import the rest of the way will go a long way in their campaign in the Governors’ Cup.
“Gusto lang namin lumalim ‘yung execution namin because we can do this during the eliminations. But we have to work on our game plan and our schemes, lumalim. Sa elimination, okay ito. When we reach the playoffs, may ilalabas pa kami,” said Ayo.
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