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Magnolia acquires Jerrick Balanza from Converge to address backcourt woes

Sports | Basketball

Magnolia acquires Jerrick Balanza from Converge to address backcourt woes

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

Magnolia has acquired Jerrick Balanza from Converge in exchange for its second round pick in the Season 49 draft – a deal approved by the league trade committee on Thursday, April 11.

Magnolia has acquired Jerrick Balanza from Converge in exchange for its second round pick in the Season 49 draft – a deal approved by the league trade committee on Thursday, April 11.

PBA Images14 (24).jpg — Jerrick Balanza (PBA Images)

The Hotshots made the move in an effort to address the issue with their backcourt rotation which had taken a hit due to injuries to Rome Dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio.

On top of that, both Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca are also playing through their respective injuries.

Balanza, for his part, gets the chance to shine at Magnolia after being left out in the rotation of Converge head coach Aldin Ayo.

He was a key part of the FiberXers lineup since he was acquired by Converge through a trade with NorthPort but has since then was reduced to a backup role as the team tried to navigate through life following the departure of its last season top scorers in Jeron Teng and Maverick Ahanmisi.

With chances of going deep into the conference seemingly dimming for Converge, the move is already seen as a preparation for the future for the FiberXers.

With Justin Arana and Alec Stockton emerging as the team’s main guns this conference, Converge should be looking forward to building the team around the two through adding some key pieces through the draft.

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