PBA: Converge to train with Lakers’ assistant Phil Handy in preseason buildup

Converge coach Aldin Ayo. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — The Converge FiberXers are excited to work out with Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy this week as part of their preseason build-up.

Handy, a three-time NBA champion assistant coach known for his player development, watched the PBA on Tour game at the back of Converge’s bench as the FiberXers dominated TNT Tropang Giga, 109-84, on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Converge coach Aldin Ayo bared that the NBA coach will hold a training session with his team made possible by team manager Jacob Lao and his father Frank, who also supports the PBA franchise.

“He’s a guest and he’s going to work out with the team,” Ayo told reporters. 

“We’re excited especially since this is just the preseason so we have enough time to work on the individual skills of our player. I think it’s the best time to work on those players in our development program,” he added.

Handy reached the NBA Finals for six consecutive seasons , four with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018 including a title in 2016, a championship run with the Kawhi Leonard-led in the 2019 season, and another ring from the Lakers during the NBA bubble three years ago.

FILE–Converge FiberXers in the PBA on Tour. Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net

Aside from Handy, Ayo said that two Slovenian coaches will also train the FiberXers this preseason.

“We also have two foreign coaches right now who are going to help us in our preseason training,” the Converge coach said.

Jeo Ambohot, who fired eight triples to finish with 31 points, can’t wait to learn new things from Handy.

“I’m really excited over this. We’re going to learn new things. We’re going to learn new things from other coaches, so we’re excited about our practice,” he said.

Justin Arana is also ready to absorb all the improvements that they can apply from their upcoming workouts with Handy and the two foreign coaches.

“We’re youngest in the team so we have a lot of things we need to develop so we can adjust in the PBA. We’re excited to learn new things from an NBA coach and we’re very willing to learn,” said the young big man, who tallied 18 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for the FiberXers, in Filipino.

Converge is currently 3-3 in the preseason after winning back-to-back games.