Converge FiberXers

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Converge FiberXers
Basketball current event.svg 2025–26 Converge FiberXers season
Converge FiberXers logo NEW.png
Founded2022
HistoryConverge FiberXers (2022–present)
Team colorsPurple, teal, black, white
    
Company Converge ICT
Board governor Archen Cayabyab
Team manager Jacob Lao
CK Kanapi-Daniolco (assistant)
Head coach Dennis Pineda
Team captain Kevin Racal
Ownership Dennis Anthony Uy

The Converge FiberXers are a professional basketball team owned by Converge ICT. The team competes in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The franchise began after acquiring the former Alaska Aces franchise on March 23, 2022. [1]

Contents

History

Formation

Team logo from 2022 to 2025. Converge FiberXers logo.png
Team logo from 2022 to 2025.

On February 16, 2022, Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) announced that the Alaska Aces would leave the PBA at the end of the 2021 Governors' Cup. This was due to a directive by FrieslandCampina, parent company of AMC. [2] Several companies expressed interest to buy the Aces or its franchise. [3] The prospect company could retain the Alaska Aces team if they bought the franchise within the ongoing season. [4] In the event the franchise was not sold within the ongoing season, the PBA would place the players in a dispersal draft. [3]

On March 23, the PBA announced the sale of the Alaska Aces to Converge ICT. The sale was unanimously approved by the PBA Board of Governors. [1] Smart Communications, the owner of TNT Tropang Giga and a business competitor of Converge, was noted for not blocking Converge's entry into the PBA. [5] Former PBA commissioner Chito Salud serves as the board governor of the new team. [6] On April 2, the team announced that Jeffrey Cariaso, who was the last head coach of the former Aces team prior to the sale of the franchise, was retained as head coach. [7]

On April 5, Converge ICT formally unveiled their team under the name Converge FiberXers. [8] It was also announced that the assistant coaches of the former Alaska team were retained. [9] Erstwhile Alaska Aces board governor and team manager Richard Bachmann served as the assistant team manager of the FiberXers. [10]

2022–2024: Early seasons

Throughout the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup, Converge made numerous trades, bringing in young talents Tyrus Hill and David Murrell in a trade with the NLEX Road Warriors, [11] as well as Kurt Lojera in a trade with the Blackwater Bossing which saw veteran big man Yousef Tafa depart the team. [12] Mid-conference, Converge traded Robbie Herndon to the San Miguel Beermen in exchange for SMB's second-round picks for seasons 48 and 49 while also trading Lojera and Ben Adamos to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters for Aljun Melecio, and Kris Porter. [13] [14] In their first conference in the PBA, Converge finished 7th place in the elimination round with a 5–6 record. They were matched against TNT Tropang Giga, who held twice-to-beat advantage, requiring Converge to win two games back-to-back. The FiberXers lost to TNT in the first game, eliminating the team from the playoffs. [15] [16] [17]

Ahead of the 2022–23 PBA Commissioner's Cup, Cariaso was released as the head coach of the team and was replaced by Aldin Ayo. [18] [19] Converge then made even more trades which saw Barkley Eboña join the team from Blackwater in exchange for Hill, Michael DiGregorio, and RK Ilagan. [20] The team also brought in Jerrick Balanza in a trade with the NorthPort Batang Pier in exchange for Allyn Bulanadi. [21] The team also signed Quincy Miller as their import for the conference. [22] The team saw improvement in their second conference, finishing 4th with an 8–4 record. However, the team suffered another quarterfinals exit with a sweep from SMB in the best-of-three series. [23] [24] [25]

For the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup, the FiberXers signed free agent Bradwyn Guinto. [26] For a brief period, assistant coach Danny Ildefonso also joined the team due to injuries to other players. [27] Like in their inaugural conference, Converge placed 7th and were defeated by advantage holders San Miguel Beermen in one game, yet another quarterfinals exit. [28]

During the 2023 off-season, Converge made more moves. Among the team's acquisitions include Adrian Wong from the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, [29] Mike Nieto from the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, [30] and free agents Keith Zaldivar and Mac Tallo. Converge also drafted Schonny Winston and BJ Andrade during the PBA season 48 draft. [31] [32] On the other hand, the team released Maverick Ahanmisi, who has since signed with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, [33] Jeron Teng, [34] and Barkley Eboña. [35]

Despite these player moves, Converge finished both conferences in dead last after recording just three wins combined, leading to rumors of the team to be tanking to acquire the first overall pick of the PBA season 49 draft. [36] [37] There were also a couple of player depatures during the season as Mac Tallo was terminated after playing in ligang labas , [38] while Jerrick Balanza was traded to Magnolia for the team's second-round pick in season 49. [39]

2024–present: The youth movement

PBA 2025May23 NLEXvCON CON JustineBaltazar.jpg
Juan GDL 2017.jpg
Converge utilized their draft picks in seasons 49 (2024) and 50 (2025) to select Justine Baltazar and Juan Gómez de Liaño.

In the PBA season 49 draft, Converge used their first overall pick to select Justine Baltazar. [40] Due to his contract with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League's Pampanga Giant Lanterns, he wouldn't join the team until after the 2024 MPBL season. [41] [42] The off-season saw a shake-up in the coaching staff as Aldin Ayo and McJour Luib resigned from their positions as head coach and lead assistant coach, respectively. Franco Atienza became interim coach while Charles Tiu joined the coaching staff. [43] [44] [45] Converge also signed free agent veteran Alex Cabagnot to the team. [46] Converge started the season by placing 3rd in Group A of the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup, but lost to the San Miguel Beermen in five games.

Ahead of the 2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup, the team signed Jordan Heading after acquiring his playing rights in a trade with the Terrafirma Dyip. [47] During the conference, the team also signed MJ Garcia and acquired Rey Suerte from the Blackwater Bossing in exchange for BJ Andrade. With their new acquisitions and Baltazar's arrival, Converge had their best finish in the eliminations thus far, a third-place finish with an 8–4 record. However, the team couldn't make the semifinals after they were upset by the sixth-seeded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in three games of the best-of-three quarterfinals.

For the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup, Converge signed free agents Jhan Nermal and Gelo Alolino. The team also traded away one of their key players in Heading for Mikey Williams, the latter was involved in a contract stalemate with the TNT Tropang 5G. [48] While the team finished 7–4 in the conference, placing fifth meant that the team has to win back-to-back games in the quarterfinals. The team faced against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and were eliminated after one game.

Ahead of the 2025–26 PBA season, the FiberXers appointed Pampanga vice governor Dennis Pineda as their new head coach. [49] Pineda was also Baltazar's coach during his time with the MPBL's Giant Lanterns. During the off-season, Converge made numerous moves to bolster their roster. Among their most notable acquisitions include the rights to Larry Muyang and Dave Ildefonso, [50] [51] signing long-time player Rafi Reavis, [52] and trading for the second pick of the PBA season 50 draft, allowing the FiberXers to select Juan Gómez de Liaño. [53]

Current roster

Converge FiberXers roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.#POBNameHeightWeightDOB (YYYY–MM–DD)From
G/F 0 Flag of the Philippines.svg John Lloyd Clemente  (R)6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)176 lb (80 kg)1998–07–15 National-U
G 1 Flag of the Philippines.svg Juan Gómez de Liaño  (R)6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)163 lb (74 kg)1999–11–19 Philippines
G/F 2 Flag of the Philippines.svg Archie Concepcion 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)189 lb (86 kg)1996–05–18 Arellano
G/F 4 Flag of the Philippines.svg Rey Suerte 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)175 lb (79 kg)1994–10–04 UE
G/F 8 Flag of the United States.svg Schonny Winston 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)190 lb (86 kg)1998–07–22 De La Salle
F/C 9 Flag of the Philippines.svg Paolo Javillonar 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)2000–05–13 Letran
G 11 Flag of the Philippines.svg MJ Garcia 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)1998–11–25 SPCF
G 12 Flag of the United States.svg Alec Stockton 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)170 lb (77 kg)1998–06–24 Far Eastern
C 15 Flag of the Philippines.svg Justin Arana 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)231 lb (105 kg)1999–03–21 Arellano
F 16 Flag of the Philippines.svg Kevin Racal 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)175 lb (79 kg)1991–05–16 Letran
F 17 Flag of the Philippines.svg JR Raflores  (R / FA)6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)1994–09–17 Mapúa
F/C 19 Flag of the Philippines.svg Justine Baltazar 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)250 lb (113 kg)1997–02–19 De La Salle
C 20 Flag of the Philippines.svg Larry Muyang 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)220 lb (100 kg)1995–06–04 Letran
F/C 21 Flag of the Philippines.svg Jhaymo Eguilos 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)190 lb (86 kg)1986–08–27 Far Eastern
G 23 Flag of the Philippines.svg JL delos Santos 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)176 lb (80 kg) José Rizal
C 24 Flag of the Philippines.svg Ronan Santos 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)1997–03–24 Arellano
C 25 Flag of the United States.svg Rafi Reavis 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)210 lb (95 kg)1977–07–26 Coppin State
F 27 Flag of the Philippines.svg King Caralipio  (IN)6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)176 lb (80 kg) Letran
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Team manager


Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (CI) Commissioner's Cup Import
  • (GI) Governors' Cup Import
  • (EI) EASL Import
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (IN) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • (R) Rookie
  • Cruz Roja.svg Injured

Roster

Season-by-season records

List of the last five conferences completed by the Converge FiberXers. For the full-season history, see List of Converge FiberXers seasons.

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, W–L% = Winning percentage

SeasonConferenceGPWLW–L%FinishPlayoffs
2023–24 Commissioner's 11110.09112thDid not qualify
Philippine 1129.18212thDid not qualify
2024–25 Governors' 1064.6003rd (Group A)Lost in quarterfinals vs. San Miguel, 2–3
Commissioner's 1284.6673rdLost in quarterfinals vs. Rain or Shine, 1–2
Philippine 1174.6365thLost in quarterfinals vs. Barangay Ginebra**, 80–88
An asterisk (*) indicates one-game playoff; two asterisks (**) indicate team with twice-to-beat advantage

Awards

Individual awards

PBA Most Improved PlayerPBA Rookie of the Year AwardPBA Mythical Second Team

PBA Press Corps Individual Awards

All-Rookie Team

All-Star Weekend

Slam Dunk Contest

References

  1. 1 2 "PBA board approves sale of Alaska franchise to Converge ICT Solutions". PBA.ph. March 23, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  2. ↑ Catacutan, Dodo (February 16, 2022). "Alaska to bid the PBA goodbye at the end of the conference". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Five companies look to buy Alaska franchise says Willie Marcial". Dugout Philippines. March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  4. ↑ Terrado, Reuben (March 19, 2022). "Cariaso hopes Alaska core kept as company in 'deep talks' to buy franchise". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  5. ↑ Dalupang, Denison Rey (March 24, 2022). "Despite being Smart/PLDT's industry rival, Converge gets unanimous vote as newest PBA franchise". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  6. ↑ "Former commissioner Chito Salud returns to PBA as governor of Converge". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. March 23, 2022.
  7. ↑ Terrado, Reuben (April 2, 2022). "Converge retains Jeff Cariaso as head coach". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Converge co-owners Dennis and Grace Uy unveil FiberXers". PBA.ph. April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  9. ↑ "Cariaso eyes one more deputy to intact Converge coaching staff". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  10. ↑ Mendoza, Val Jose (April 5, 2022). "Converge introduces new PBA team that go by the "Fiber Xers"". Yugatech. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  11. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "NLEX sending Dave Murrell, Tyrus Hill to Converge for draft pick". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  12. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Blackwater trades rookie Kurt Lojera to Converge for Yousef Taha". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  13. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Robbie Herndon traded to SMB for two future second-round picks". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  14. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "PBA approves Converge-Phoenix trade as Melecio, Ayo reunite". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  15. ↑ Terrado, Reuben. "Full-strength TNT makes short work of playoffs debutant Converge". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  16. ↑ Ventura, Sid (July 27, 2022). "What we learned as TNT brushed aside Converge to book Philippine Cup semi berth". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  17. ↑ Dioquino, Delfin (July 27, 2022). "TNT rides on Mikey Williams' hot hand to rip Converge, reach semis". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Cariaso accepts Converge exit, but wishes he had more time with team". RAPPLER. August 9, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  19. ↑ Micaller, Bea (August 10, 2022). "It's official: Aldin Ayo takes over coaching reins for Converge". GMA News Online. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  20. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "DiGregorio, Ilagan, Hill to Blackwater as Converge gets Ebona, draft pick". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
  21. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Balanza, Ayo reunite as Converge trades Bulanadi to NorthPort". Spin.ph. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  22. ↑ Terrado, Reuben. "Quincy Miller benched for being late for practice a day after birthday party". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  23. ↑ Terrado, Jonas (January 21, 2023). "PBA: Jorge Gallent named San Miguel head coach ahead of Governors' Cup". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
  24. ↑ Dioquino, Delfin (December 7, 2022). "Heroes aplenty as San Miguel zeroes in on PBA semis after whipping Converge". RAPPLER. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  25. ↑ Bacnis, Justine (December 10, 2022). "PBA: San Miguel too much for Converge, takes on Bay Area in semis". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  26. ↑ Li, Matthew (January 27, 2023). "Free agent Bradwyn Guinto signs with Converge". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Danny I makes PBA comeback with Converge". pba.ph. March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  28. ↑ Terrado, Reuben. "No. 2 seed San Miguel pulls plug on Converge playoff bid". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  29. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Tratter, Murrell traded to Magnolia as Converge gets Wong, 1st-round pick". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  30. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Converge acquires Mike Nieto in trade with Rain or Shine". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  31. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Magnolia letting go of Keith Zaldivar leads to Converge signing". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  32. ↑ Anzures, Rom. "PBA: Mac Tallo makes PBA return with Converge". news.abs-cbn.com. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  33. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Ahanmisi gets three-year contract with new team Ginebra". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  34. ↑ Ramos, Gerry (September 20, 2023). "Converge not signing Jeron Teng to a contract extension". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  35. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Free agent Barkley Ebona signed to one-year deal by TNT". Spin.ph. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
  36. ↑ "Aldin Ayo debunks tanking allegations: 'That's unfair'". Tiebreaker Times. December 13, 2023. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  37. ↑ "Is Converge tanking? Coach Ayo responds". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  38. ↑ "Converge terminates Mac Tallo contract for 'ligang labas' violation". Spin.ph. February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  39. ↑ Badua, Snow. "Magnolia acquires Jerrick Balanza from Converge for second-round pick". Spin.ph. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  40. ↑ Ramos, Gerry (July 3, 2024). "Consensus No. 1 pick Justine Baltazar applies for PBA draft again". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  41. ↑ Villanueva, Ralph Edwin (July 14, 2024). "Converge-bound Baltazar is No. 1 pick in PBA Draft". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  42. ↑ "Baltazar likely to finish MPBL season before moving to PBA". Spin.ph. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  43. ↑ Terrado, Reuben. "Aldin Ayo out as Converge coach in stunning split". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  44. ↑ Ramos, Gerry. "Charles Tiu joins rejigged Converge coaching staff". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  45. ↑ "'Work to be done' as Toroman plans new system for Converge". INQUIRER.net. August 4, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  46. ↑ Ramos, Gerry (August 5, 2024). "Alex Cabagnot set for PBA return after signing with Converge". Spin.ph. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  47. ↑ Terrado, Reuben (November 12, 2024). "Converge gets Jordan Heading rights in trade with Terrafirma". Spin.ph. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  48. ↑ "TNT acquires Heading, Williams goes to Converge". pba.ph. June 2, 2025. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
  49. ↑ Li, Matthew (September 6, 2025). "Delta Pineda takes helm as Converge revamps leadership for PBA Season 50". Tiebreaker Times. Retrieved September 7, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Nelle now at Phoenix, Muyang makes comeback as PBA approves trade". Spin.ph. September 4, 2025. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
  51. ↑ "Converge acquires Ildefonso from Titan Ultra in exchange for Moje, 2 future draft picks". PBA.ph. October 24, 2025. Retrieved October 24, 2025.
  52. ↑ Terrado, Reuben (September 27, 2025). "Reavis set to play 23rd season in PBA after signing with Converge". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
  53. ↑ Terrado, Reuben (September 13, 2025). "Juan Gomez de Liano signs three-year deal with Converge". Spin.ph. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
Preceded by PBA franchise lineage
2022		Succeeded by
current incarnation
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