2023 PBA Draft: Converge welcomes healthy Deschon Winston

Converge pick Deschon Winston (center) in the 2023 PBA Draft. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Good news came Converge’s way after picking Deschon Winston as the ninth overall pick in the 2023 PBA Draft on Sunday.

Other than acquiring the services of the former La Salle standout, the FiberXers will have a completely ready Winston come the PBA season in November.

“I’m no longer hurt. I’m ready to compete and play,” said the sharpshooter confidently. “I went back to the States, finished my rehab and got my body back to shape and performance to go out there and compete again.”

Winston missed the latter part of his final season with the Green Archers last year after suffering a torn calf sometime in November.

Before his injury, though, Winston showed why he’s a highly-coveted first round pick with averages of 21.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 steals per game.

Without his absence, he could’ve been the UAAP Season 85 Most Valuable Player as he led the statistical points race after the first round of eliminations.

That MVP plum would eventually land on the wide palms of University of the Philippines’ Malick Diouf.

Now, all rivalries are closed as Winston is grouped with Ateneo’s BJ Andrade, whom Converge picked right after Winston in the first round.

Joining Winston and Andrade in the rookie pool of the FiberXers are Bryan Santos, JL Delos Santos, Inand Fornilos, King Caralipio, Rhinwil Yambing, Kamron Vigan, Raymond Binuya, MJ Garcia, Andree Flores and Jonathan Del Rosario.