“PLAYERS like them deserve to be given their due.”
This was how Converge team manager Jacob Lao described the maximum contract extensions given to key players Justin Arana and Alex Stockton amid strong interest from other PBA teams.
Lao admitted that getting Arana and Stockton to re-sign wasn't easy, saying other teams have floated interest in the two even if they are still very much under contract with the FiberXers.
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Before Converge was able to seal the new deals, Lao also admitted receiving trade offers from different teams.
Lao refused to divulge the names of the ballclubs but SPIN.ph sources bared among those interested in the two were Ginebra, NLEX, Blackwater and Rain or Shine.
“I wouldn’t go deeper into that detail. It’s already water under the bridge. The most important thing is they are both with us for the next three years,” said the son of sports patron Frank Lao of Strong Group Athletics.
“Basta, we are so happy that after all the kinks, both Justin and Alec realized their value for Converge as we look at better years for this team,” he said.
Lao said Converge is more than willing to lend the two to Gilas Pilipinas if asked.
“Yes, that is part of the agreement na if they are called to play for the flag, which based on their performance should come soon, wala silang magiging problema sa amin. If Gilas wants them, with open arms we will lend them,” said the former Ateneo Blue Eagles guard.
Lao also revealed how the two expressed disappointments in the current struggle of the team, which has yet to win in 15 games this season from the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The team also let go of key assets the past few months, among them Jeron Teng and Maverick Ahanmisi while putting rookie Schonny Winston on the trading block.
“They aired their frustrations, kaso I told them it is part of a team’s birth pains. We can’t always be near the top, sometimes we have to be at the bottom of the wheel then wait for our turn to be at the pinnacle,” said Lao. "With their talent and perseverance they realized that Converge will grow with them.
“It’s as simple as this, would you guys want to leave the team when it needed you the most then be like the others who will just play small roles in title-contending team and slowly lose your confidence and value,” he said.
“That’s why I told Justin and Alec, at Converge you will always get your talent’s worth. You will always get your playing minutes."
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As the building block of a Converge team that is determined to go toe to toe against bigger companies with multiple teams, Lao hopes that time will come Converge will finally end the long title drought for independent teams.
Rain or Shine was the last independent team to win a PBA title in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup. For the last eight seasons, the championships have gone to San Miguel (7 titles), Ginebra (7 titles), TNT (2) and Magnolia (1).
“With Justin, Alec and the other players’ help, we are very positive we can be a David in a league filled with Goliaths," he said. That t ime will come. And we'll never lose hope.”
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