Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Converge’s roster upgrade continues under coach Aldin Ayo as the FiberXers acquired Mike Nieto while unloading to Rain or Shine their two second round draft picks for the PBA’s 49th and 50th seasons.
It was the FiberXers’ second offseason transaction in less than a month since they acquired former Ateneo gunner Adrian Wong and Magnolia’s first round pick for this year’s Rookie Draft. In exchange, Converge sent big man Abu Tratter and PBA Slam Dunk king David Murrell to Magnolia.
As of this writing, Ayo’s squad now has two first round draft picks for the 49th PBA Season Draft slated this September.
Rain or Shine also owns two first round picks, the third and fourth, respectively and coach Yeng Guiao is hopeful the team could add more size to its front court that currently relies on veterans Beau Belga, Jewel Ponferada and Norbert Torres.
The FiberXers reached the quarterfinals during Ayo’s first two conferences in the 2022-23 PBA season. But the recent players movements are part of the team’s serious effort at building a solid core that could one day, reach the Finals, and eventually, win a championship.
As for Rain or Shine, the team last won a PBA title during the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup with hulking Pierre Henderson-Niles as its import, defeating Alaska, 4-2 in the title series.
*****
Credit belongs to : www.manilatimes.net
