Newcomer Converge is still in negotiations with several former Alaska players whose contracts expired after last season’s campaign.
Abu Tratter, Robbie Herndon and Maverick Ahanmisi were not on the FiberXers’ official roster released before the opening of the 47th season. The three played key roles for the Aces during their final season in the big league.
Rookie Tyrus Hill, who was picked seventh by NLEX in the Draft last May 15 before his rights were traded to Converge, has also yet to secure a deal.
Team governor Chito Salud said Converge is still working on securing the contracts even as the season draws near.
“Those who have not yet signed will not be part of the roster. We’re still negotiating,” Salud said during a press conference held Monday, May 30, without mentioning their names.
“As soon as those agreements are secured, we will file our UPC with the PBA as simple as that. There’s no other way around it. Some are still abroad, some are still here.
“But at the end of the day, it will be the terms of the agreement that will count,” added the former commissioner.
Thirteen players were listed ahead of Converge’s debut match against Rain or Shine on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, including nine ex-Alaska cagers.
Jeron Teng, RK Ilagan, Allyn Bulanadi, Mike DiGregorio, Mike Tolomia, Taylor Browne, Ben Adamos, Alec Stockton and Kevin Racal were retained by the FiberXers during the offseason.
Converge also inked deals with first round picks Jeo Ambohot and Justin Arana, so are acquisitions Kurt Lojera, chosen ninth by Blackwater, and incoming sophomore David Murrell, who was part of the Hill trade.