CONVERGE promises to do good when it shares the PBA's biggest spotlight on Wednesday in a doubleheader featured in the pro league's 50th anniversary celebrations at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
"Historic iyon, kasi golden anniversary ng unofficial national game natin in the oldest and the first professional league sa Asia so it's really a big thing for us," said FiberXers interim head coach Franco Atienza.
"It's a big honor and a big privilege para sa franchise," stressed Atienza.
Atienza's excitement and eagerness is understandable. Converge is the youngest member of the PBA, entering the league only three years ago after acquiring the Alaska franchise in 2022.
Now, the FiberXers get to play at the iconic, 91-year-old stadium against Magnolia before PBA pioneer San Miguel Beer tangles with Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup.
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Atienza likens the forthcoming experience as sort of a toast to past players and teams.
"However young 'yung franchise namin, it's an honor for us na makalaro doon. You would feel probably 'yung nostalgia, 'yung spirit, all those who came before us, who've played the game," said Atienza.
"Ako, for one, I grew up watching the games. I'm sure all the players then and coaches sa team namin-all personnel sa team namin-at one time or another, have watched 'yung mga predecessors namin play.
"It's just a surreal feeling at that time, at that venue. So it's really such a big honor to be playing in one of the two games and included among the four teams na maglalaro in such a big event, at least for the PBA."
And there's only one way to make the nod and experience more memorable.
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"To honor the legacy of all the people who came before you, you have to give it your best, giving great competition. Hindi guarantee na mananalo ka, pero it gives you a good chance na manalo. At the end of the day competition pa rin," offered Atienza."
"You would want people to be inspired, to enjoy the game, so kami we always put our best foot forward to honor that legacy nga and also help the anniversary celebrations." (NC)
