Converge acquired Aljun Melecio and Kris Porter from Phoenix in exchange for Kurt Lojera and Ben Adamos as part of its roster shake-up this off-season that also saw the team tap the services of collegiate champion coach Aldin Ayo.
Fuel Masters head coach Topex Robinson confirmed the deal to Manila Bulletin and later on got the approval from the Commissioner’s office on Friday, Sept. 9.
Melecio got reunited with Ayo along with former Green Archers teammates Abu Tratter and Jeron Teng, composing a deadly backcourt that was reminiscent of La Salle’s title run in the UAAP in 2016.
Porter is expected to provide a reliable backup to the FiberXers young frontline that has Justin Arana, Jeo Ambohot and Tyrus Hill.
As for Phoenix, Lojera, a known two-way player back in his collegiate days, could help plug the hole left by Matthew Wright at the guard position after the veteran sniper opted out of his contract extension and signed with B. League team Kyoto Hannaryz.
Adamos, on the other hand, is seen to provide size and heft inside the paint along with Sean Anthony and Larry Muyang especially with Fuel Masters star Jason Perkins expected to be out of the conference after undergoing a knee procedure in the off-season.
Ayo also hinted at more movements in the FiberXers lineup as he eyes to get his hands on players who previously played under him in the collegiate ranks.
"Every time you go to war you need your best soldiers. More to come," said the incoming rookie PBA coach in a post on Facebook.
Converge looks to improve its seventh place finish in the Philippine Cup – its first playoff appearance since it bought the Alaska franchise prior to the start of the season. Phoenix, meanwhile, seeks to rebound from a dismal show that saw them finish at the 11th place of the standings.