In the last few weeks, things were a bit uneasy for the Converge FiberXers. Rumors of internal issues hounded the FiberXers and threw some chaos their way. Talk of player movement certainly didn’t make things easier. And yet, they continue to find ways to win.
It may not be surprising to those who follow the PBA that even if Converge is operating under a blanket of uncertainty, the perenially dismal Terrafirma Dyip has it worse. But then, the Dyip were firing on all cylinders when they took on the FiberXers, even taking an 18-point lead with 5:06 left in the second quarter. In the end, though, Converge’s spirit would not be deterred as they kept chipping at the lead until their talent eventully won out.
The FiberXers have pretty much won all the games they should have and that has put them in a good position to advance to the postseason. However, going beyond the first round depends on a few factors within and beyond their control. Winning their last 2025 Philippine Cup preliminary round assignment against the San Miguel Beermen should give them a shot at carrying a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
The greater concern, though, is their long-term outlook. What goes on inside closed doors certainly has an effect on the on-court product and the unpredictability within the roster makes things all the more uneasy. Jordan Heading has reportedly been dealing with a back issue and there’s word that he is headed to the TNT Tropang 5G for the enigmatic Mikey Williams. Heading has been attending Converge games and has generally been a supportive presence but the FiberXers would rather have him playing than on the sidelines. And the same applies to Williams as well.
Overall, though, Converge has arguably one of the best young foundations in the PBA, with the likes of Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, and Schonny Winston. That alone should allow them to avoid any chances of turning into the next Dyip or Blackwater Bossing. However, great teams are not built solely by putting together talent; managing them well and putting them in a position to win is what brings in championships.
Victories like those over the Terrafirma Dyip should not distract us from the fact that the Converge FiberXers are a work in progress. They’ll make the playoffs of the 2025 Honda PBA Philippine Cup, but beyond that is a great unknown. The latter is more important, especially given the FiberXers status as an independent team in the league, because if they can do it, then the other independents sure can. And for a league that needs parity, that’s something that could help in grow in an emerging competitive basketball landscape.
