MANILA – Aklanon forward Keith Zaldivar is set to suit up for the Converge FiberXers in the upcoming PBA season after being released by the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.
Zaldivar, formerly of Adamson University Falcons in the UAAP, was signed to a two-year contract by the FiberXers last week as the team hopes to add depth to their frontline rotations.
“Keith was signed to a contract by Converge and he can start seeing action for the FiberXers in our upcoming games in the PBA on Tour,” according to FiberXers assistant team manager CK Kanapi-Daniolco.
The new acquisition by the FiberXers was welcomed to the team by alternate governor Archen Cayabyab, head coach Aldin Ayo, and Zaldivar’s representative AC Ong during the formal contract signing.
The Buruanga, Aklan-native Zaldivar was selected at no. 12 overall in the first round by the Hotshots during the 47th season PBA Rookie Draft last year at the Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila.
The 6-foot-6 Zaldivar, however, failed to find his minutes in his rookie year with the Hotshots as he plays behind veteran center Ian Sangalang, Rafael Reavis and James Laput.
In the nine games Zaldivar has played for the Hotshots in the 2022-2023 PBA season, he averaged 1.1 points, 0.4 rebound, 0.1 assist, zero steals and blocks in almost five minutes of action.
Magnolia has finally released Zaldivar earlier this month after they acquired wingers Abu Tratter and David Murrell in a trade with the FiberXers in exchange for gunner Adrian Wong.
At the FiberXers, the former Soaring Falcons big man will have a chance to show his wares as he fights for minutes with fellow undersized centers Justin Arana and Jeo Ambohot.
The FiberXers currently has 1-2 win-loss record in the ongoing PBA on Tour and they will return to action against Blackwater Bossing this afternoon at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City./PN
