Converge coach Aldin Ayo and team manager Jacob Lao are doing everything to build the team from the ground up.
Converge coach Aldin Ayo flashed a big smile when he faced reporters at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, May 1.
It was something Ayo could hardly do in the midst of a tumultuous PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup that saw the FiberXers drop their first eight games.
But with Converge winning two of its last three assignments to close its All-Filipino campaign, Ayo has reasons to smile now and beyond.
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“(Team manager) Boss Jacob (Lao) is building this team piece by piece. We already have our first group. Right now, the second group played. We’re excited for the draft,” Ayo said after a thrilling 107-103 win over TNT.
[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: Converge earns win No. 1, nips Meralco]
Asked which position the FiberXers are trying to fill or which player they are targeting in the draft where they are likely to pick first, he could only share a vague answer.
“Hindi pa namin alam kung sino ang mga sasali, eh. So, hopefully, makuha namin 'yung kailangan namin,” he said. “And again, 'yung desisyon kung sinong kukunin, we’re going to talk about it. Sana makakauha kami ng makatutulong sa'min.”
The NCAA and UAAP champion coach preached patience as Lao tries to put together a team that could compete against league juggernauts such as San Miguel, Ginebra and TNT.
“We’ve been very patient. We’re competing against teams na ilang taon na sila dito. Nakakapili na sila ng players kung sino ang para sa kanila. They have their own way of getting players that they want,” he said.
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“For us, pasensiyoso kami doon, eh. We’re waiting for these young players to improve and mature. Right now, what we need is time. Hopefully, itong long break, long offseason, mag-improve ang mga players namin at suwertehin kami sa drafting.”