LOYALTY SWAP | EXPECT CONVERGE TO UNLEASH HELL ON THEIR FOES

Days before the 2025 PBA Draft, two trades went down. First up, Converge acquired Phoenix’s second pick overall in exchange for the eighth pick and the sweet-shooting Bryan Santos. Even as a UST Growling Tigers fan, I never ranked Santos that high in my 2023 mock draft, which is why I am pleasantly surprised at how his PBA career has unfolded so far.

His numbers dipped in his sophomore season, though, largely because he had to share minutes with Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar at a crowded position.

It also feels like Converge has been extremely busy this preseason. Reports say they just obtained Larry Muyang’s rights from Phoenix in a three-team deal that would send Jeo Ambohot to Pureblends/Northport and Evan Nelle to the Fuel Masters. Once approved, the trade would also lift Muyang’s PBA ban. The former Letran Knight got himself into trouble after leaving Phoenix for Pampanga in the MPBL, which Converge’s Delta Pineda also owns. While Muyang never made it work with Phoenix, he thrived in Pampanga, where he averaged nearly 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Of course, the plays drawn up for Muyang were originally meant for current Converge centerpiece Justine Baltazar, so there is no guarantee that he will get the same opportunities with the Fiberxers. Still, Converge appears more invested in him than Phoenix ever was. By shipping out Santos and Ambohot to create space for Muyang, Converge now has his rights, Mikey Williams’ rights, and Phoenix’s second overall pick.

Honestly, I am not even mad with the trade, despite its absurdity, because for once, a non-SMC and a non-MVP team is getting the upper hand against the league’s farm teams.

For years, even when Converge was still Alaska and Phoenix was Air21, these franchises often worked together. This time the deal feels completely lopsided, and it makes me think Converge is finally moving aggressively to challenge the big-market squads.

With the second pick, Converge is probably targeting one of the top three point guards in the draft: Juan Gomez de Liano, Jason Brickman, or Dalph Panopio. Even if they end up with Geo Chiu or Will Gozum, that would not be a bad outcome. The issue is that these five prospects all play positions where Converge already has depth. If they eventually sign Williams, the incoming guard will have to battle for playing time with Alec Stockton, Schonny Winston, and Williams himself. Any big man they select will also need to carve out minutes against Arana, Baltazar, and Muyang. Considering the tension between Converge and Winston, I would not be surprised if he becomes the first player they flip.

Regardless, the Fiberxers are clearly building a roster designed to bring back some parity in the league.

As for Phoenix, I am not sure what their endgame is. By acquiring Nelle, they have addressed their point guard concerns. That said, I also don't think this is a reason for them to swap draft positions. While Phoenix did add size with Santos, his profile overlaps with Jason Perkins, Ken Tuffin, and Kai Ballungay. Terrafirma seems locked in on Chiu, which means Phoenix will likely miss out on the type of franchise big man that coach Willy Wilson wants. Dropping from second to eighth in a deep draft is costly. If they are after a big man, they could still go with Yukien Andrada, Chris Koon, or Mark Denver Omega. Of those three, Omega provides the most inside presence, although his offensive game needs work.

But then again, I think trading Nelle for Ambohot hurts Pureblends more than anyone else. Nelle was once an NCAA Finals MVP and a top-three pick, but over the past three years, he slid all the way down to a benchwarmer role. By acquiring him, is Pureblends signaling that they are still in the market for a point guard? They can certainly go that route if they want, but their bigger issue is still the lack of depth in the frontcourt. Someone like Will Gozum would immediately give them a reliable inside scorer.

I know the team remains high on Ambohot, yet rebuilding his confidence is going to be a major challenge. I am not even sure if reuniting him with Bonnie Tan and Fran Yu will be enough to bring back his old NCAA form. Looking back, Gozum was already the better offensive player compared to Ambohot, even in their college days. Right now, Ambohot reminds me of a young Nonoy Baclao: solid on defense but struggling to evolve beyond that. Unless the coaching staff finds a way to reshape his basketball DNA, he risks staying in that mold.

The PBA Draft is the one time of the year when lower-ranked teams matter the most. With all these moves, I have no idea what Phoenix is planning, but Converge’s intentions are crystal clear.