Converge Arana, Stockton to Three-Year Deal
Converge will hold onto two leading players as the FiberXers re-sign Justin Arana and Alec Stockton. The two rising stars signed maximum contract extensions and will be here for a long run for Converge.
The development was confirmed by Converge team manager Jacob Lao, as the two will stay put despite strong interest from other PBA teams.
Before Converge could seal the new deals, Lao also admitted to receiving trade offers from different teams.
Lao did not disclose the names of the ballclubs, but reliable sources bared that among those interested in the services of the two were Ginebra, NLEX, Blackwater, and Rain or Shine.
“I wouldn’t go deeper into that detail. It’s already water under the bridge. The most important thing is they are both with us for the next three years,” said the son of sports patron Frank Lao of Strong Group Athletics.
“Basta, we are so happy that after all the kinks, both Justin and Alec realized their value for Converge as we look at better years for this team,” he said.
Lao added that if Gilas Pilipinas wants the services of the two, he won’t hesitate to let them play for the national team.
“Yes, that is part of the agreement na if they are called to play for the flag, which based on their performance should come soon, wala silang magiging problema sa amin. If Gilas wants them, with open arms we will lend them,” said the former Ateneo Blue Eagles guard.
The two were also disappointed with how Converge is struggling right now. The team has yet to win in 16 games this season since the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The team is trying to rebuild its core, having let go of former key players Jeron Teng, who is now with San Miguel, and Maverick Ahanmisi, who is now part of Ginebra. Promising rookie Schonny Winston is also on the trading block.
“They aired their frustrations, kaso I told them it is part of a team’s birth pains. We can’t always be near the top, sometimes we have to be at the bottom of the wheel then wait for our turn to be at the pinnacle,” said Lao. “With their talent and perseverance, they realized that Converge will grow with them.
“It’s as simple as this, would you guys want to leave the team when it needed you the most then be like the others who will just play small roles in title-contending team and slowly lose your confidence and value,” he said.
“That’s why I told Justin and Alec, at Converge, you will always get your talent’s worth. You will always get your playing minutes.”
With its young core, Converge is determined to compete with bigger companies with multiple teams as Lao hopes to finally end the long title drought for independent teams. Rain or Shine was the last independent team to win a PBA title in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup. For the last eight seasons, the championships have gone to San Miguel (seven titles), Ginebra (seven titles), TNT (two), and Magnolia (one).
“With Justin, Alec, and the other players’ help, we are very positive we can be a David in a league filled with Goliaths,” he said. That time will come. And we’ll never lose hope.”
The FiberXers are also hoping to acquire the services of Justine Baltazar, the projected top pick in this year’s draft, as Converge is expected to be the league’s bottom dweller.
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