By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Converge FiberXers finally found a replacement for former import Jamaal Franklin for the upcoming 2023 PBA Governor’s Cup playoffs.
Converge already confirmed that they tapped the services of the New Zealand national team’s big man Tom Vodanovich who is now in the Philippines to participate in the squad’s preparation for the post-season.
The bruising six-foot-seven center is no stranger to Filipino professional hoops players after being a part of the New Zealand team that crushed Gilas Pilipinas, 88-63, during the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers last year.
In that game, the versatile banger registered 20 big points against the PHL national team highlighted by his efficient perimeter game.
Vodanovich is a stretch big man who can also pass the ball, the type of player head coach Aldin Ayo would always love to put into his system with the FiberXers.
It was a disappointing turn of events for Converge and Franklin who quickly became one of the best imports in the ongoing Governor’s Cup.
However, after a monster game against the Meralco Bolts, Franklin sent a statement to the FiberXers and only scored four points out of five made attempts in their following clash against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Franklin’s uncanny behavior cost Converge the game and suffered a crushing 120-102 defeat that could’ve ended their slump heading into the playoffs.
Two days after the game, head coach Ayo revealed that he told Franklin to “move the ball” rather than taking the contested step-back three-pointers which became his bread and butter in averaging 31.4 points in the conference.
Before leaving Converge, Franklin is yet to air his side and wasn’t able to answer the rumors that he was kicked out of the franchise due to his behavior.
