CONVERGE and NorthPort will put to test their new line-up as they square off as part of the PBA Governors’ Cup opener on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
The FiberXers take on the Batang Pier at 6:45 p.m. right after the conference opener between Meralco and Rain or Shine at 4:30 p.m.
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Converge and NorthPort parade reshaped lineups following movements in between conferences.
Converge has acquired Barkley Ebona in a trade with Blackwater but in the process let go of RK Ilagan, Mike DiGregorio, and Tyrus Hill.
The FiberXers engaged in a trade with their opening day opponent when they got Jerrick Balanza in exchange for Allyn Bulanadi, who eventually ended up at San Miguel.
The Batang Pier also made movements during the offseason, acquiring Season 46 first pick Joshua Munzon from Terrafirma, and Paul Zamar from San Miguel, while signing free agent Christian Balagasay.
NorthPort also made a shuffle in the coaching staff with Bonnie Tan taking over as coach and Pido Jarencio moving to the role of team manager.
Tan said NorthPort is ready for the opener but will be playing shorthanded with Arwind Santos still out due to a knee injury. William Navarro had been previously ruled out after sustaining an ACL injury during the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
Converge is set to parade former New Zealand youth team member Ethan Rusbatch as its import, while NorthPort has Marcus Weathers, who originally was set to suit up as the reinforcement of San Miguel.
Unlike the protagonists in the second game, the Bolts and the Elasto Painters made little changes to their roster ahead of the Governors’ Cup opener.
Rain or Shine welcomes back James Yap after the two-time MVP signed a one-conference deal with the Elasto Painters.
Meralco has retained KJ McDaniels after playing briefly during the Commissioner’s Cup, while Rain or Shine acquired Michael Qualls, who played for NorthPort in 2019.
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