Converge team owner Dennis Anthony Uy and team governor Chito Salud expressed their gratitude to former head coach Jeff Cariaso following his departure from the team.
The FiberXers bosses released a statement on Wednesday, Aug. 10, thanking Cariaso for his contributions to the team during its first season in the league.
“I would like to personally thank Coach Jeff for the competitive spirit that he has instilled in our players. His experience as a player with an illustrious career undoubtedly inspired our young team to reach the playoff stage in our very first conference at the PBA,” said Uy.
“He is a well-balanced coach with many successful years ahead of him. I am grateful to him for his contribution in transitioning this new franchise,” he added.
News about Cariaso’s exit from Converge broke last Tuesday, Aug. 9, which he later confirmed in a lengthy post through his Instagram account.
Salud also had nothing but great words for Cariaso who was one of the holdovers from Alaska when Converge bought the franchise before the start of the PBA Season 47.
Under Cariaso’ tutelage, the FibereXers managed to book a spot to the quarterfinals but was cut short by No.2 seed TNT Tropang Giga which only needed one game to dispatch them
“Jeff did a great job for Converge. He is a fine coach and a true gentleman. His significant insights and qualitative understanding of the game will serve him well in his next assignment. Our organization is grateful for Jeff's role in bringing stability to the team, especially during the transition phase. We wish him luck and the best of basketball in the coming years,” added Salud.
Converge kept mum on who will take the place of Cariaso although multiple reports have already said that former UST head coach Aldin Ayo is set to take the coaching reigns for the FiberXers.
Ayo, however, denied any formal commitments yet with the PBA team and will still consult his mother regarding his decision.