By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Converge FiberXers are off to a rousing start in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup after crushing the Terrafirma Dyip, 130-115, to enter the winning column twice with no losses last January 26, 2023.
Newly reinstated import and former NBA cager Jamaal Franklin immediately dominated in his debut for the FiberXers after dropping 42 big points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, a steal, and a block.
Franklin was a former 41st overall pick during the 2013 NBA Draft and was acquired by the Memphis Grizzlies from San Diego State.
The versatile forward received one of the best mentorships under head coach Steve Fisher and was able to team up with current Los Angeles Clippers superstar and NBA champion Kawhi Leonard in San Diego.
Franklin quickly brought his A-game to the Philippines and scored in a variety of ways that impressed head coach Aldin Ayo.
Despite the solid debut of their first import Ethan Rusbatch who was a member of the New Zealand national basketball team Tall Blacks, Ayo and the rest of the Converge management said that they will stick with Franklin for the rest of the import-laced conference.
“Jamaal played well. But of course, he’s still adjusting. Hopefully, ‘yung mga susunod na practices namin, he’ll be able to adjust doon sa sistema namin. But he played a good game,” said Ayo.
Franklin was a beast on the boards and there was nothing that the Dyip could do once he got into the shaded lane.
Aside from his polished driving offense, Franklin also shot the lights out from the three-point line where he cashed in seven shots.
Backstopping Franklin was top local scorer Maverick Ahanmisi who followed his 29-point output from last game with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The duo of Jeron Teng and Justin Arana also contributed their share in the offense and chipped in 15 points each.
