IF you think the Converge FirberXers, the team making a surprise run in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, is happy and satisfied in their present situation, maybe teams and basketball fans may have to think again.
The team has an 8-4 win-loss record, at fourth but still on track for a twice-to-beat advantage and the latest news is that Pampanga governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda has started to play a more active role at Converge.
Pineda has begun to attend the FiberXers games on a regular basis in his official capacity as assistant team manager. He has been sitting on the Converge bench in past games, conversing with the players before, during, and after matches.
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Pineda's active participation should instill some fear in the hearts of the opposition. The man is known to almost stop at nothing to reach his goals. His handling of the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL is proof. Under his leadership, guidance and financial support, the team won successive MPBL championships.
When asked why he is taking a more direct hand in the affairs of Converge, of which he reportedly is a major stockholder along with team owner Dennis Anthony Uy, he said:
“Kasi commitment ko naman ito sa team owner, kay Boss Dennis (Uy) na tutulong kami, especially kami ni Boss Archen [Cayabyab, Converge team governor] na magfo-focus kami sa team,” said Pineda recently.
Pineda said he is happy with the quick progress that Converge has made this conference that put the FiberXers in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
One of the major factors in Converge’s rise this conference is the acquisition of Jordan Heading in a trade with Terrafirma, and the activation of Justine Baltazar, the PBA's top overall pick last year and who was instrumental in Pampanga's back-to-back MPBL title wins.
Pineda observed that the addition of Heading and Baltazar have significantly given Converge a shot at the PBA title.
Heading in the right direction
“Nakita niyo naman ‘yung difference,” said Pineda. “Malaking factor pa rin ‘yung pasok ng dalawa, Jordan Heading and Balti. Nagkaroon po kami ng ibang option. Maganda na ‘yung bench namin. Pero still, siguro, kulang pa rin ‘yun. Kailangan pa rin ng oras para mag-jell ang team. Halos one month lang po kaya kailangan pa ng more time siguro.”
Pineda said the team is not yet done, and still not satisfied with an impressive elimination round as Converge is determined to have a deep run in the playoffs.
“Doing okay po kami, base sa mga plans namin nung nakaraan. Nandito na unti-unti. Kayo naman po ang makakapagsabi kung may difference kasi ‘yung frontcourt namin, nagkaroon ng difference.
"Pero hindi kami nakukuntento sa ganun. We’ll still do our plans, execute ‘yung ibang plans, napag-usapan ng coaches and management. Pilitin po nating maging competitive ang team namin,” said Pineda.
Pineda is also glad to see Baltazar starting to flourish in the PBA after his stint in the MPBL.
“At least, more than a month pa lang, unti-unti, nakakapag-adjust na siya sa system ng PBA. Natutuwa kami na nabibigyan namin ng konting saya ang mga fans ng Converge. ‘Yun naman ang importante sa amin. ‘Yung mga fans namin, medyo maganang sumuporta sa team. Doing good naman for Balti.”
“Pero siyempre, not only Balti. Buong team,” said Pineda.
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