Converge parts ways with head coach Aldin Ayo and assistant McJour Luib
In a surprising move just weeks before the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup kicks off, the Converge FiberXers have parted ways with head coach Aldin Ayo and first assistant coach McJour Luib. The announcement was made by team manager Jacob Lao through a statement on Converge’s official Facebook page.
“It was a mutually agreed decision for both parties to part ways,” Lao said. He expressed gratitude for the coaches’ contributions, adding, “We are thankful for their dedicated service to the team for almost two years.”
Ayo’s tenure with the FiberXers, which spanned four conferences, saw him compile a 17-28 record. Despite a challenging run, he managed to guide the team to the quarterfinals twice during the 2022-24 PBA seasons, marking significant milestones for the franchise.
Ayo’s era marked the true beginning of Converge’s journey in the PBA. He took over from Jeffrey Cariaso, a holdover from the Alaska franchise, after Converge’s first-ever conference. However, the team struggled last season, finishing with a 3-19 record. This performance gave them the first overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft, which they used to select promising talent Justin Baltazar.
The final chapter of Ayo’s tenure was written during the 2024 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament, where Converge finished last among the four participating teams. The departure of both Ayo and Luib signifies a new direction for the FiberXers as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Stepping in as interim head coach is Franco Atienza, who brings a wealth of experience to the role. Atienza has an extensive coaching background, with 18 years of experience in high school and collegiate basketball before joining the PBA. His journey in the league began with the Alaska Aces in 2011 as an assistant coach, transitioning to the FiberXers when they acquired the Aces franchise.
The FiberXers are poised to turn a new page, with high expectations for the upcoming season and the development of their newly drafted talents, Baltazar, Marc Polo Javillonar, Benjamin III Phillips, Jason Mari Credo, and Ronan Santos.
As the PBA Governors’ Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Converge and their new leadership. The team aims to bounce back from a tough season and make a strong impact under Atienza’s guidance.
