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Converge vows to be competitive, active PBA member

Sports | Basketball

Converge vows to be competitive, active PBA member

By Jonas Terrado

Chito Salud

Converge vowed to be more than just a new member of the Philippine Basketball Association after its acquisition of the Alaska franchise was approved by the league’s Board of Governors.

Former PBA commissioner Chito Salud, who will serve as team governor, said Converge is committed to not only put up a competitive squad while also maintaining an active participation within the league ranks.

“Converge will be a strong and active member of the PBA,” said Salud during the formal announcement Wednesday, March 23. “With full and complete management support and continuous recalibration, we will be competing at a high level and will be bringing top notch sports entertainment to Filipino basketball fans.”

“Its brand of basketball will be reflective of its core values, hard work, discipline, creativity, grit and excellence,” added Salud.

The telecommunications service provider not only got the franchise from Alaska, but also existing contracts of players, coaches and staff.

Only Jeron Teng and rookies Ben Adamos and Taylor Browne have live pacts, though Converge still holds the rights of those with expiring contracts.

Among the notable players whose contracts expired are Abu Tratter and rookies Allyn Bulanadi and RK Ilagan.

Coach Jeffrey Cariaso and his staff were also absorbed under the deal, but Salud said they will be under evaluation as Converge begins the process of forming a squad for the 47th season which starts in June.

Salud said he and Alaska team governor Dickie Bachmann will work on assessing the team’s composition.

“Please don't expect any concrete answer from us right now, because we still have to meet the team. It's just (in the press conference) that the PBA announced the approval of the franchise transfer.”

Related Tags

Chito Salud Converge ICT pba

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