PBA: Jamal Franklin finds his footing amid Converge’s unbeaten start

Converge import import Jamaal Franklin. –PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—After two games with Converge in the PBA Governors’ Cup, import Jamaal Franklin already feels right at home with the FiberXers.

After the team’s 111-109 win against favorite Magnolia at Ynares Antipolo Center on Sunday, Franklin took adjusting to the PBA in stride despite the physicality in full display during the hotly-contested match.

“Adjustments have been cool. This was a bit more physical than last game but that’s how it is. Some teams are gonna be more physical,” Franklin said.

“It was a good win. Our players stepped up, Alec (Stockton) played well, Justin (Arana) played well. It was a good team win, we just got to keep doing this.

Unlike in his first game against Terrafirma where he had to drop 42 points, Franklin was complemented better by his squad on Sunday and only needed to contribute 26 markers.

Stockton and Arana chipped in 18 and eight to their names en route to Converge’s third straight victory.

In the fourth quarter, when the Hotshots were closing in on the Aldin Ayo-led troop, 108-105, Franklin sank a heavily contested triple to put the FiberXers up by six, 111-105, with a minute and four seconds remaining.

Despite it being a bizarre and bold shot, the former NBA player said he’s comfortable in taking those attempts.

“I’m comfortable with those shots. I feel that’s what the FiberXers got me here for so I have to take those shots but at the same time, my teammates held it down. It’s a team game, one team and one goal.”

NLEX coach Frankie Lim bared there is uncertainty regarding the length of Jonathon Simmons’ stint in the PBA. Franklin, on the other hand, assured it would not be the case for him and the currently-undefeated Converge team.

“I’m all in. I came here to play basketball. I told my team and management that I’m all in. I’m trying to win games and make history for this team,” said the 31-year-old.

“I don’t know what’s going on with Jonathon, but on my side we’re all in and trying to win a championship,” he added.