CHICAGO — After weeks of rampant speculation, Converge has pulled the plug on Kylor Kelley.
With their once- fading PBA playoffs hopes given fresh oxygen following a huge win over TNT last Wednesday, the FiberXers are bringing in a replacement, sources bared.
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Though stunning in its timing, the change isn’t surprising, a planned move that slowly began to take flight last April 10 when Converge plunged to 1-4 in the standings following a 120-111 loss to Rain or Shine.
Averaging 14.4 boards and 2.0 blocks in eight igames, the 7-foot Kelley proved to be an elite rebounder and rim protector.
But with chemistry isuues often choking the Converge offense into brutal droughts, the need for a more aggressive scoring import became more pronounced.
ENTER DONOVAN SMITH.
The 6-foot-10 power forward played for the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup where he averaged 30.3 points and 11.9 rebounds a game.
Unlike the 28-year old Kelley, Smith, 31, is not a doberman on defense but he will “ keep the defense honest,” a former Phoenix coach told SPIN.ph.
Smith, who has already practiced with the team, I am told, has the tough task of leading the FiberXers in the mission of sweeping their last three assignments to have a chance at a playoffs berth, assuming the stars align,
It remains unclear if Kelley, who is paid through mid May will stick around or head back to he US.
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