Converge FiberXers

The Converge FiberXers are a professional basketball team owned by Converge ICT. The team will compete in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The franchise began after acquiring the former Alaska Aces franchise on March 23, 2022.[1]

Converge FiberXers
Founded2022
HistoryConverge FiberXers (2022–present)
Team colorsPurple, teal, white
     
CompanyConverge ICT
Board governorChito Salud
Head coachJeffrey Cariaso
OwnershipDennis Anthony Uy

History

On February 16, 2022, Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) announced that the Alaska Aces will leave the PBA at the end of the 2021 Governors' Cup. This was due to a directive by FrieslandCampina, parent company of AMC.[2]

Several companies expressed interest to buy the Aces or its franchise.[3] The prospect company could retain the Alaska Aces team if they bought the franchise within the ongoing season.[4] In the event the franchise is not sold within the ongoing season, the PBA would place the players in a dispersal draft.[3]

On March 23, the PBA announced the sale of the Alaska Aces to Converge ICT. The sale was unanimously approved by the PBA Board of Governors.[1] Smart Communications, the owner of TNT Tropang Giga and a business competitor of Converge, was noted for not blocking Converge's entry into the PBA.[5] Former PBA commissioner Chito Salud will serve as the board governor of the new team.[6] On April 2, the team announced that Jeffrey Cariaso, who was the last head coach of the former Aces team prior to the sale of the franchise, was retained as head coach.[7]

On April 5, Converge ICT formally unveiled their team under the name Converge FiberXers.[8] It was also announced that the assistant coaches of the former Alaska team were retained.[9] Erstwhile Alaska Aces board governor and team manager Richard Bachmann will serve as the assistant team manager of the Fiber Xers.[10]

Roster
Converge FiberXers roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.#POBNameHeightWeightDOB (YYYY–MM–DD)From
G 0 Ilagan, RK 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) 150 lb (68 kg) 1997–04–03 San Sebastian
G/F 1 Herndon, Robbie (FA) 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 1993–07–16 San Francisco State
F/C 2 Tratter, Abu (FA) 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 1993–01–09 De La Salle
G 3 DiGregorio, Michael (FA) 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1991–12–12 McKendree
G/F 5 Browne, Taylor 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1997–01–30 UBC
G 12 Stockton, Alec 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1998–06–24 Far Eastern
G 13 Ahanmisi, Maverick (FA) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1991–07–17 Minnesota
F/C 18 Adamos, Ben 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1995–12–30 UPHSD
G 19 Marcelino, Jaycee (FA) 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 1995–10–19 Lyceum
G/F 21 Teng, Jeron 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1994–03–21 De La Salle
G 24 Tolomia, Mike (FA) 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1993–01–06 Far Eastern
G/F 28 Bulanadi, Allyn 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 1997–04–28 San Sebastian
F 31 Publico, Rey (FA) 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 1992–11–29 Letran
C 55 Taha, Yousef (FA) 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 231 lb (105 kg) 1988–07–08 Mapúa
G/F 61 Racal, Kevin 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 1991–05–16 Letran
F 96 Faundo, Bryan (FA) 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 1984–02–18 Letran
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)


Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (I) Import
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (IN) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • (R) Rookie
  • (3x3) Assigned to 3x3 team
  • Injured

Roster

References
  1. "PBA board approves sale of Alaska franchise to Converge ICT Solutions". PBA.ph. March 23, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  2. Catacutan, Dodo (February 16, 2022). "Alaska to bid the PBA goodbye at the end of the conference". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  3. "Five companies look to buy Alaska franchise says Willie Marcial". Dugout Philippines. March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  4. Terrado, Reuben (March 19, 2022). "Cariaso hopes Alaska core kept as company in 'deep talks' to buy franchise". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  5. Dalupang, Denison Rey (March 24, 2022). "Despite being Smart/PLDT's industry rival, Converge gets unanimous vote as newest PBA franchise". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
  6. "Former commissioner Chito Salud returns to PBA as governor of Converge". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. March 23, 2022.
  7. Terrado, Reuben (April 2, 2022). "Converge retains Jeff Cariaso as head coach". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  8. "Converge co-owners Dennis and Grace Uy unveil FiberXers". PBA.ph. April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  9. "Cariaso eyes one more deputy to intact Converge coaching staff". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  10. Mendoza, Val Jose (April 5, 2022). "Converge introduces new PBA team that go by the "Fiber Xers"". Yugatech. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
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