Converge head coach Aldin Ayo said that there remains plenty of work ahead even after his team secured a slot into the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
The FiberXers did so after downing Blackwater on Thursday night, becoming the third team next to TNT and San Miguel — presently the top two teams in the standings — to punch a ticket to the playoffs’ opening round.
It was, furthermore, the franchise’s third consecutive quarters trip, and second under the rookie mentor, who replaced first coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
“Siyempre grateful na nasa playoffs na, pero we still have to work on our game,” said Ayo after their 98-90 win at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
“I always tell the players that we have to continue building our team because it doesn’t really stop. As long as in contention ka, kailangan nabubuo ‘yung team eh. Ang dami pa naming kulang, ang dami pa naming dapat trabahuhin.”
Ayo, though, was glad to see his wards’ improvement from their loss to NLEX last February 18, particularly with how well they took care of the ball.
From committing a whopping 31 turnovers, 12 of which came from import Jamaal Franklin alone, Converge only had 19 this time around.
“May mag naitama kami. Especially ‘yung turnovers. Nabawasan ng konti,” said Ayo. “And yung execution medyo na-refine din ng konti.”
But Ayo was still far from satisfied with their execution, lamenting the times when his men couldn’t pull off some sets with precision.
“Kulang na kulang pa. Marami kaming hindi nae-execute kasi ‘di namin nae-execute yung initiation namin, ‘yung first part ng offense namin. Dun kami usually nagkaka-problema,” said the cager turned shot-caller.
Surely, it would be among the matters Ayo and Co. are set to address heading into their next game versus Phoenix Super LPG on Sunday.
