MAC Tallo is out, but Bradwyn Guinto is in.
Converge did take an interest in tapping Tallo to play for the FiberXers in the PBA Governors Cup, but decided to take its hands off the 29-year-old guard from Cebu City upon learning he has a live contract with Chooks To Go 3x3 team.
“May contract siya, e,” said a team insider privy of the situation.
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That the FiberXers were looking to have Tallo come on board is understandable.
The 6-foot guard son of former PBA player Mark Tallo played under Converge coach Aldin Ayo, who previously handled the Chooks To Go 3x3 program where Tallo is a member.
Ayo eventually stepped down from his post and accepted the Converge coaching job.
Had the plan pushed through, it would have marked Tallo’s return to the PBA, where he was a first round pick of TNT in the 2017 draft, before moving on to NLEX.
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Tallo was also Ayo’s chief playmaker with the Bicol Volcanoes that had a brief stint in the MPBL Invitational.
As Tallo was left out, the FiberXers opted to look elsewhere and found a gem in Guinto.
The 6-foot-6 banger was signed by Converge after letting go by Rain or Shine as a free agent.
Guinto, 31, secured a spot with the FiberXers as plans to take in big man Ken Holmqvist fell through.
The 6-foot-8 Holmqvist, who suited up for Manila Chooks under Ayo, tried out for Converge, but apparently failed to make the grade.
The presence of Guinto is expected to bolster a FiberXers frontcourt teeming with young talent in Justin Arana, Geo Ambohot, Abu Tratter, and recently acquired Barkley Ebona.