Converge head coach Aldin Ayo is hoping to see Mac Tallo play within the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup that raises its curtains next week.
The second-year FiberXers mentor was bound to reunite with the country’s top-ranked 3×3 player but the latter is facing a serious impediment in his comeback bid, which stems all the way back from his previous stint in the pro league.
“We’re hoping,” Ayo told reporters during the league’s Media Day, Wednesday at One Esplanade. “But it will depend on management, or on the PBA.”
Tallo had already been signed to a two-year deal by the franchise just recently, but his return may have to wait for a while.
He reportedly has to serve a six-month suspension for violating the PBA’s anti-drug policy during his time with NLEX.
Photo from Power Sport Images
The Cebuano combo guard played for the Road Warriors back in 2019 before being released into free agency, which led him to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and later on to Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3.
It was in Chooks where he and Ayo got to work together, highlighted by a golden run in the 2022 FIBA 3×3 Asia Pacific Super Quest back in May of last year.
That familiarity would have definitely worked wonders in Converge, especially with the team moving on from the exit of Maverick Ahanmisi and Jeron Teng.
But then, Tallo and the FiberXers as well will still have to clear some matters with the PBA first and foremost for the reunion to happen.
“Right now, the management is taking care of it,” Ayo said. “‘Di ko pa alam anong details. Pero they’re working it out, hina-handle nila ‘yun.”
