Converge's Goals and Preparations
- Focus on Improvement: Converge aims to build on its previous performance, where they placed sixth in the Governors' Cup and pushed powerhouse San Miguel Beer to a deciding fifth game in the quarterfinals.
- Coach's Perspective: Coach Franco Atienza expressed eagerness to start strong, emphasizing the team’s growth from the last conference and readiness to apply lessons learned.
- Team Composition:
- Import: Cheick Diallo, a 6’8” former NBA player, brings youth and skill, despite being smaller than other teams’ imports.
- Key Players: Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar (joining next month) are expected to strengthen their roster.
Terrafirma's Overhaul
- New Leadership: Raymond Tiongco steps in as head coach, guiding a restructured lineup.
- Key Acquisitions:
- Veteran Players: Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel, acquired from San Miguel Beer, bring experience and stability.
- Rookies and Transfers: Mark Nonoy, CJ Catapusan, and ex-NorthPort guard Brent Paraiso are among the fresh additions. Aljun Melecio and Keith Zaldivar also joined via a trade with Converge.
- Import and Injuries: Ryan Richards, a 6’11” British-Jamaican center, leads their inside presence, while Christian Standhardinger is still recovering from a knee injury.
Expectations for the Match
- Converge’s Strategy: Despite missing some key players initially, Coach Atienza remains confident in the team’s depth and adaptability.
- Terrafirma’s Potential: The revamped lineup, highlighted by experienced players and promising newcomers, poses a challenge with its balanced mix of talent and poise.
The game marks an opportunity for both teams to test their new setups and set the tone for the mid-season PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
CONVERGE vs. TERRAFIRMA | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS EASTERN vs. PHOENIX | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
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