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    COLUMN: Coach Aldin done tinkering with Converge lineup? Ayo responds

    Looks like it
    Feb 2, 2023
    Aldin Ayo Converge
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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    CHICAGO - After making the playoffs in their maiden PBA appearance last conference, Converge continues to do what woeful teams such as Terrafirma and Blackwater can only dream of.

    Consistently play terrific basketball at a high level.

    Fresh from their Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals appearance, the FiberXers are once again peering above the competition in the ongoing Governors' Cup with an unbeaten record alongside the pleasantly surprising NLEX Road Warriors.

    READ: Converge import shrugs off Johnny A dirty finger

    And it's easy to see through Converge's early success.

    Through three games, they've outscored their opponents 363-316, an impressive winning margin of 15.6 points.

    Averaging 51.3 rebounds per, they are aggressive on both sides of the board. And with a total of 62 dimes the FiberXers have more assists than Sagip Kapamilya.

    The only dents in their armor are the 52 turnovers and 75 fouls in three games. But that's a steep price Converge is willing to pay for the hectic, physically intense brand of basketball they play.

    COACH ALDIN AYO, THE CHIEF ARCHITECT OF CONVERGE'S CRUSADE FOR SUSTAINED EXCELLENCE, EXPLAINED TO ME THE METHOD TO THEIR MADNESS.

    "We prepared early for this conference and only took a one-week break after the last conference. We have been together for almost six months and they are understanding the system while the chemistry of the team is slowly being built," he told me over the phone.

    Ayo also addressed his team's decision to shed Ethan Rusbatch in favor of former NBAer Jamaal Franklin after just one game.

    "Ethan was a team player with a good attitude but after a few tune-up games we reassessed that we need a more assertive import on the offensive end."

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      Franklin has since reciprocated that vote of confidence with a total of 68 points, 24 rebounds and 15 assists.

      Armed with a loaded, mostly handpicked line-up composed of Alec Stockton, Justine Arana, Jeron Teng, Abu Tratter, Maverick Ahanmisi, Aljun Melencio and Jerrick Balanza to name a few, I asked coach Ayo if he was done tinkering with the roster.

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      SEEMS LIKE HE IS.

      "I am happy with what we have right now. We will maximize them. We have some players who are underrated but are high in character and have a good work ethic."

      Coach Ayo has earned a sterling reputation as a relentless taskmaster who specializes in reclamation projects and turning raw products into finished materials.

      The 45-year old brainiac has weaved his magic twice in college, winning championships at both the NCAA with the Letran Knights in 2015 and with the La Salle Green Archers of the UAAP in 2016.

      I can name eight PBA teams that can really use the services of coach Ayo. But he was quick to dismiss speculations of him going elsewhere.

      Aldin Ayo Converge vs SMB Game 1

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      He told me he has a "long-term" deal with Converge. What a catch for the FiberXers.

      Given the phenomenal box-office hit of the Ginebra-Bay Area Dragons finals last conference, I asked coach Aldin if he was warm to the idea of the PBA hosting another guest team.

      "Yes, it will be helpful since local teams will have the opportunity to play against an international team and learn from top teams from across the globe."

      Spoken like a true competitor.

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

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      PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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