Ayo vows to field 'hardest working PBA team' in Converge FiberXers

MANILA, Philippines – The young Converge FiberXers will bank on hard work and determination to make up for their inexperience as they aim to be competitive in the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

During Wednesday’s PBA Media Day, Converge head coach Aldin Ayo said they will try to be the hardest working team in the league. 

“Since we are young, we lack experience. Although I already spent a year [in the team], we still lack experience. But that will be [offset] by our passion and commitment in competition,” Ayo told reporters in Filipino.

“One thing that is sure is we’re gonna be the hardest workers. We will work hard,” Ayo added. 

Rookies make up the bulk of the team. Among them are Inand Fornilos, Kamron Vigan-Fleming, Patrick Maagdenberg, Bryan Santos, Deschon Winston and BJ Andrade. 

But Andrade, the No. 10 overall pick in this year’s draft, will miss the Commissioner’s Cup due to an injury. 

Meanwhile, sophomores Jeo Ambohot, Keith Zaldivar and Justin Arana will also suit up for Converge, which also lost key cogs Maverick Ahanmisi and Jeron Teng in the offseason. 

“We know we are young. We know we are not that talented. But we’re gonna be the hardest-working team in terms of effort, and, in the technical aspect, we’re going to spend more time compared to other coaches, other players and the executives. That's why we always practice hard everyday,” Ayo continued. 

Though Converge reached the playoffs in every conference of the PBA last season, they crashed out of contention in the quarterfinals every single time.

“We’re improving and we’re gaining experience, things that will help us when the conference comes,” Ayo added. 
Aside from the rookies and sophomores, Adrian Wong, Jerrick Balanza, Barkley Ebona, Aljun Melecio, Alec Stockton, Kevin Racal, Mike Nieto and import Tom Vodanovich complete the cast for Converge. 

The team is also trying to work out the deal with 3x3 standout Mac Tallo.