MANILA – Newly-named head coach Aldin Ayo assured that Converge FiberXers will be competitive ahead of their first game in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup this Friday against Terrafirma Dyip.
According to the debuting PBA coach, while he is still on the lookout for another big man via trade, the current players in his roster were competitive enough to keep in step with their opponents.
“Itong mga players we were together for four, five weeks and marami na kaming nagawa and they have adjusted. Enough na ito. Laban na ‘tong materyales na ‘to,” Ayo said.
“We have talented players and these players really fit our system. I think it will be new sa PBA kung paano kami maglalaro. It will be exciting. It will be entertaining both on offense and defense,” he added.
Among the current Converge roster, some have played for Ayo before during his collegiate coaching stint such as Jeron Teng, Kevin Racal, Aljun Melecio, Abu Tratter, Justin Arana and Jeo Ambohot.
Others who were playing for Ayo for the first time were Michael Digregorio, Maverick Ahanmisi, Regile Ilagan, Alec Stockton, David Murrell, Allyn Bulanadi, Tyrus Hill, Mike Tolomia, Taylor Browne, Kris Porter and import Quincy Miller.
“One thing na maa-appreciate ng mga fans is ‘yung passion na ipapakita ng mga players during the game, as well as the coaches and the team officials. The team, as a whole, is going to compete and I think it will be very entertaining for the fans,” said Ayo.
“All of them. They have their own roles. We are expecting na gagampanan nila ng maayos ‘yung roles nila. Actually, excited ako sa kanila dahil bago, ibang mga personalities naman,” he added.
This will be Ayo’s first head coaching gig in the PBA after previously serving as one of the assistant coaches of then playing coach and Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao at KIA Picanto (now Dyip).
Prior to Converge, Ayo won championships as head coach of Letran Knights in the NCAA and DLSU Green Archers in UAAP. He also handled University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in UAAP and Muntinlupa Cagers and Bicol Volcanoes in MPBL./PN
