PBA: Converge taps ex-Phoenix import Donovan Smith

FILE– Former Phoenix import Donovan Smith set to suit up for Converge in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Converge has officially tapped Donovan Smith as its replacement import ahead of Sunday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against his former team Phoenix.

The FiberXers notified the league of the change on Friday, replacing Kylor Kelley as they look to turn their campaign around in the midseason conference.

Taggaed as among the contenders before the start of the Commissioner’s Cup, Converge currently has a 3-6 record but is coming off a big win over Bol Bol and TNT last Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Smith’s name was floated in the days since Converge coach Delta Pineda opened the possibility of replacing Kelley.

Kelley, the 7-footer who played for the South Bay Lakers of the NBA G-League, has struggled in recent games, forcing Converge to go all-Filipino during critical moments.

Now the FiberXers are pinning their hopes on Smith, who played for the Fuel Masters in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup.

The 6-foot-9 Smith had been one of the best-performing imports in the conference, despite Phoenix’s 3-9 showing.

He averaged 30.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks in 12 games.