What can one make of the Converge FiberXers thus far in the PBA? For one, it’s left fans wanting more. 

The FiberXers’ performance last season was forgettable to say the least, as they only won a combined two games in the two-conference PBA Season 48. While they made the quarterfinals in each conference the season prior to that, Converge hardly made a dent and lost all four of those postseason games. 

The FiberXers seemed to be simply going through the motions, a far cry from when they were still known as the Alaska Aces. As one of four teams to win a PBA grand slam, the Aces were known to be an independent franchise that played by the rules, and for their efforts won 14 PBA championships, the third-most all-time in the league. 

So Converge must’ve hit rock bottom by this time right? That seems to be the case as things are beginning to look up for them. 

The FiberXers drafted Justine Baltazar with the first overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft, securing the services of the sought-after big man who finally made the leap to the PBA. With Converge having a lot of needs, Baltazar checks a lot of boxes, one of which includes having a go-to guy. Of course, the former DLSU Green Archer will do whatever it takes to win, whether that means making the right pass or setting the tone on the defensive end. 

Unfortunately, the FiberXers won’t have Baltazar until his contract with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League’s Pampanga Giant Lanterns expires, which would most likely be in December. And it comes as Converge made a significant change.  

With a few weeks left before the opening day of PBA Season 49, the FiberXers parted ways with Aldin Ayo, and replaced him with active consultant Rajko Toroman and longtime assistant Franco Atienza. 

Toroman is no stranger to the PBA, having served as the head coach of the PBA’s Petron Blaze Boosters and the Barako Bull Energy apart from his duties with Gilas Pilipinas 1.0. He will enter his stint with Converge fresh off a successful 43rd William Jones Cup campaign with Strong Group Athletics (SGA). SGA is also involved with the FiberXers and they were wise to bring in someone who not only has a wealth of experience, but a penchant for maximizing the development of his players. He was also the architect of the Indonesia basketball program that beat Gilas Pilipinas in the 2021 SEA Games. 

Meanwhile, Atienza has been with the franchise even during their Alaska days and should provide some stability given his long tenure with the organization. 

All things considered, one can’t expect much from Converge, who will not only be missing their star player, but will also not have much time for their coaching staff to integrate a new system. The 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup will likely see the FiberXers sharpen some things, with any win being pretty much a bonus. 

From a long run perspective, however, things seem to be coming together for the Converge FiberXers, and it may be best to give this current regime some time before casting any judgement. Developments will be welcome, but it will only matter if success follows suit.