PAMPANGA governor Dennis 'Delta' Pineda has taken on a new role as team manager of PBA ballclub Converge.
The rookie PBA ballclub owned by Dennis Anthony Uy made the announcement on Thursday, bringing in the two-term governor whose basketball program aided the rise of a long line of Kapampangan players led by Calvin Abueva and Arwind Santos.
The Pinedas, headed by Bong and Lilia 'Nanay' who has served for three terms as governor and is currently Pampanga vice governor, and the Uys have long been known as allies in Pampanga.
[READ: Pampanga basketball program should be replicated around the country. Here's why]
Better known by his nickname ‘Delta,’ Pineda has already been a coach, team manager, and founder of the Pineda Basketball Training Camp, a testimony to his deep and long involvement in the development of basketball in the country.
Pineda has long been known as the backer of Santos, the 2013 PBA MVP, Abueva, Ian Sangalang as well as upcoming young players like Larry Muyang, Encho Serrano, and Justin Baltazar.
Converge team governor Chito Salud initially served as team manager of the franchise in a concurrent capacity.
“Delta’s abiding love, commitment and passion for the sport of basketball ranks high up among those I have come across in this beloved sports of ours,” said Salud in a statement.
“His long term association and shared passion for basketball with no less than our CEO Dennis Uy will bring to the team that extra special attention, laser focus, and long term strategic thinking championship teams are made of.”
Pineda previously steered the Pampanga Delta to three straight championships in the National Basketball League-Pilipinas.
The FiberXers organization, which is in its first season in the pro league since acquiring the Alaska franchise lock, stock and barrell, also named Franzl Jacob Lao as assistant team manager.
Lao formerly played in high school at La Salle and college with Ateneo, and served as manager of the Fj group which is involved in both restaurant and resort property businesses such as Gloria Maris and Choi Garden.
Both Pineda and Lao will assume their respective positions starting in the Governors’ Cup in January.
Converge is currently in the playoffs of the Commissioner’s Cup, battling defending champion San Miguel in a best-of-three series. The FiberXers lost Game 1 though, 114-96.
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