PBA: Aldin Ayo hands off on Maverick Ahanmisi contract negotiations

Converge FiberXers’ Maverick Ahanmisi. –PBA IMAGES

Coach Aldin Ayo would rather not dwell on the situation surrounding contract negotiations between Maverick Ahanmisi and Converge management.

The FiberXers opened their stint in the PBA On Tour minus Ahanmisi, whose deal expired after a terrific campaign in the season-ending Governors’ Cup, and Ayo said he’s leaving it for management to sort things out.

“I just let the management handle that,” Ayo said in Filipino after Converge’s 119-82 win over Terrafirma on Friday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City,

“We’re busy with our practices and preparations [for the PBA’s 48th season in October], but hopefully things can be resolved,” added the FiberXers mentor.

Ahanmisi had perhaps his best conference since joining the league in the 2015-16 season, averaging 19.9 points on 47-percent shooting with 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals during the recent Governors’ Cup.

Many felt Ahanmisi deserved a slot in the PBA All-Star Game in Passi City, Iloilo last March, but failed to garner enough votes from fans.

He also cited the confidence given to him by Ayo as one of the reasons for his improved play in the third conference.

As much as he may have wanted to have Ahanmisi for the series, Ayo is putting premium on those on the FiberXers roster.

“Our focus is to work on those who are here,” he said.