Calvin Abueva would rather stay realistic amid the growing excitement surrounding Converge, following the recent moves it has made leading up to the much-awaited PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
The FiberXers are entering the midseason tilt with much fanfare after acquiring quality talent, but the ‘Beast’ said they remain a work in progress toward the kind of team they want to be.
“Actually, marami pang adjustment,” he said moments after their 92-87 win over Blackwater in a tuneup game at the Gatorade Hoops Center on Wednesday.
“Hindi mo naman puwedeng sabihin na pagdating, agad-agad malakas, ‘di ba? Medyo hindi pa naman kumpleto ‘yung communication ng bawat isa sa amin.”
The league on Tuesday approved a three-team trade that saw Converge let go of Deschon Winston and Kevin Racal to ultimately land Jonnel Policarpio and Kurt Reyson from MVP Group teams NLEX and Meralco, respectively.
Fans and observers alike were quick to praise the young franchise, with some expressing optimism about the potential depth of the team following the addition of key players to the youth-laden group.
The deal was green-lit just about 22 days after the FiberXers received Calvin Abueva following a 3-for-1 swap with Titan Ultra.
It is, without a doubt, one of Converge’s biggest acquisitions so far. Head coach Delta Pineda & Co. added a two-time BPC to a unit that was just a win away from advancing to the Philippine Cup semifinals last December.
Still, Abueva wants the FiberXers faithful to hold their horses while they polish everything out, particularly their communication and jelling.
“‘Yun muna ‘yung pag-aaralan namin para sa conference, mas mag-explode kami, mas maintindihan namin ang isa’t isa sa amin,” he offered.
“Kasi season na ‘yun eh. This time, kailangan namin trabahuhin kung paano ‘yung communication namin outside and inside the court.”
Even the 38-year-old himself admitted that he’s yet to fully grasp his new team’s strategies. His integration has stalled a bit as he suffered minor aches and pains after days of intense practices with Converge.
That’s why he sat out their friendly against the Bossing, although he assured that there was nothing to worry about.
“In the first three days ko na nag-ensayo, OK naman. Nakakasabay. Pero ‘yun nga, sabi ko nga, hindi ka makakagalaw hangga’t may iniinda ka,” he said.
“‘Yun naman yung sinabi ko sa management, na hangga’t may iniinda ako, hindi ako makakagalaw. Pero ‘pag nawala ‘yan, automatic talaga, tatrabaho ako.”
Nonetheless, Abueva feels excited about what the future holds for the FiberXers, with him being a fan of how competitive his team could get.
“This time competitive na ‘yung team,” the Kapampangan star offered, “and ‘yun nga ‘yung maganda rito, mas double effort mga mangyayari sa amin.”
#WATCH: MARAMI PANG ADJUSTMENT 🏀
Calvin Abueva says that he and the new additions to Converge will still need time to build chemistry#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/nKjQQ3QMzd
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/RLTzaY8ufr
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 25, 2026
