NEW PBA team Converge ICT Solutions vowed to form the best competitive roster it can possibly assemble as it plays its first full season in the league starting this June.
Team governor Chito Salud said the firm owned by Pampanga billionaire Dennis Anthony Uy is eyeing to compete at a high level with the help of the management, coaches, players, and staff it is acquiring following its buyout of the Alaska franchise.
Converge taking over the Alaska organization became formal on Wednesday following the announcement made by the PBA led by commissioner Willie Marcial.
"Converge will be a strong and active member of the PBA. 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," said Salud, who was joined in the presser announcing the entry of Converge in the PBA by Marcial and former Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann.
"Its brand of basketball will be reflective of its core values, hard work, discipline, creativity, grit and excellence."
Sponsored content: The takeover by Converge meant acquiring the rights on the entire Alaska franchise, including players, coaches, and personnel.
Salud said all players and coaches will be assessed by management, but couldn't commit if the entire team gets to be retained.
"We have barely three months to prepare for the next season and I will be working closely with Dickie Bachmann on this. Together we'll review and assess the performance of the players and the coaches, and make a decision soon," said Salud, who was PBA commissioner from 2010 to 2014.
"Please don't expect any concrete answer from us right now, because we still have to meet the team. It's just today that the PBA announced the approval of the franshise transfer."
Only three players have existing contract with Alaska following the buyout, namely Jeron Teng, Ben Adamos, and Taylor Brown.
Sponsored content: But Salud did acknowledge the collection of talent Alaska had in its disposal prior to its sale.
"For sure, did we believe this team has great potential, and as I said, we just need to recalibrate and move forward," said the former commissioner. (RG)
