Magnolia improved its guard rotation for the remainder of the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup with the arrival of Jerrick Balanza from Converge.
Converge's Jerrick Balanza will now don Magnolia’s colors as the team looks for a big boost after a rocky start to the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
The FiberXers shipped Balanza to the franchise in a move that was announced by the league on Thursday, April 11.
Converge, which has yet to come up with a win in six games, will receive the Hotshots' second round pick in next season’s draft.
Converge's Jerrick Balanza puts up a defensive stand against Gelo Alolino of Terrafirma in their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup showdown last March 1. | Photo (c) PBA
Balanza will join a Magnolia side eyeing to build on a much-needed 104-97 win over NorthPort on Wednesday, April 10, that allowed the squad to arrest a two-game slide and improve to an even 2-2 card at eighth.
The former Letran Knight has seen limited minutes (6.65 per game) under Converge coach Aldin Ayo, where he only tallied averages of 2.67 points and 1.5 rebounds.
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It remains to be seen whether Balanza's playing time will improve with a guard-heavy Magnolia roster that features the likes of Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon.