PBA: Converge FiberXers, coach Aldin Ayo part ways

MANILA, Philippines–Converge parted ways with coach Aldin Ayo in a move that came three weeks before the start of the PBA season.

The FiberXers made the announcement Thursday, adding that assistant coach Franco Atienza will take over in an acting capacity.

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McJour Luib, Ayo’s long-time lead assistant going back to his time calling the shots in the collegiate ranks, is also leaving the team.

“It was a mutually agreed decision for both parties to part ways,” said team manager Jacob Lao in a statement.

READ: PBA: Ayo, Converge fulfill their needs by drafting Justine Baltazar

The timing comes as a surprise since Ayo is fresh from coaching Converge in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament in Davao City.

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Converge won its opening assignment to Phoenix, before dropping the next three, including one against UAAP champion La Salle.

Atienza will be the third coach in the youngest history of the Converge, which joined the PBA in 2022 after buying the Alaska franchise. He has been an assistant for many years, notably with San Sebastian in the NCAA and Alaska in the PBA.

READ: PBA: Help arrives for Converge, but Ayo patient on progress

Ayo took over from Jeffrey Cariaso after the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup, and guided Converge to quarterfinal appearances in the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup and 2023 Governors’ Cup.

But the 2023-24 season served as a difficult campaign for Ayo and the FiberXers, posting just three wins in 22 games after placing dead last in both the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup.

Converge did land the No. 1 pick in the Rookie Draft, which it used to select MPBL star Justine Baltazar.

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