CHICAGO - PBA rising star Schonny Winston is conflicted.
The 6-foot-4, 190-lb all-purpose guard really loves playing for Converge and seems to enjoy hooping with teammates he's grown up with over the last two seasons.
However, despite playing his heart out each time he is on the court, he feels he isn't being appreciated enough.
In a breakout conference, Winston overperformed his rookie contract with the FiberXers, averaging 16.08 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists in the PBA Philippine Cup.
PBA TAKEAWAYS: Fiery Winston stepping out of Twin Towers' shadow
With those impressive stats, Winston was the only non-starter to land in the Top 20 of the Best Player of the Conference statistical race.
But when Converge sent him a contract extension offer last month, the numbers didn't quite add up.
"I don't want to sound ungrateful," Schonny told me in a telephone interview on Monday morning. "But players talk about salary stuff all the time and I don't really care how much others make. I just want my fair share."
CONVERGE IS WILLING TO LISTEN.
In fairness to Converge, the P420,000 a month max offer is the most the team can give under the rules. But Winston said he wants other aspects of the contract changed such as won-game bonuses, performance-related incentives plus increases in living and transportation allowances.
Those perks are what Winston feels Converge can perhaps do better.
When asked for comment, a Converge team official said they have reached out to Schonny asking him to return from the US and rejoin the team. The team official also reminded him that he still has a live contract with Converge and that he continues to draw a salary.
"It's hard to negotiate when he is in another country. But when he gets back here, we will be happy to discuss the other terms he requested," the official added.
Despite not being the primary option offensively, mostly coming off the bench at 31 minutes a game, Winston has excelled through sheer talent and high basketball IQ.
He is also a strong, terrific defender, garnering Player of the Game honors a number of times.
MID-RANGE SPECIALIST.
"He's the DeMar DeRozan type," a PBA coach said of Winston's ruthless efficiency from mid-range where he shot 49.3 percent, tormenting his defenders two points at a time.
Hopefully, in a face-to-face meeting when Winston returns to Manila, both parties can reach a mutual agreement.
But Winston hinted that he may have to consider other options should negotiations fail.
"I understand the PBA is a business, but I also know that I need to do what's best for me. The career I chose has time limitations and unforeseen risks that makes it necessary to make the most money while I'm still in my prime. And if that means exercising other options, then so be it."
Is the PBA about to lose another five-star talent?
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