When selecting an import, Converge prioritized having a veteran presence, leading them to recruit Scotty Hopson – a seasoned pro with 13 years of experience.
At 34 years old, Hopson will be one of the oldest imports in this year’s PBA Governors’ Cup, but his extensive international basketball experience made him the right choice for Converge.
“Si Scotty siguro will be one of the oldest imports this conference, pero yan ang kailangan ng team namin,” said Converge head coach Aldin Ayo as his core is composed of players who have less than five years of experience in the PBA.
“Yung experience niya all over the world, malaking bagay yan sa amin.”
Hopson went undrafted in the 2011 NBA Draft.
(C) FIBA.basketball
Still, he had stints with Cleveland in 2011, Dallas in 2018, and Oklahoma City from 2021-22.
During that time, he also played all over the world, suiting up for Kolossos Rodou in Greece, Hapoel Eilat, Ironi Nahariya, and Hapoel Holon in Israel, Anadolu Efes in Turkey, Laboral Kutxa in Spain, Foshan Long Lions in China, Cedevita in Croatia, Galatasaray in Turkey, the Breakers of New Zeland, Melbourne United in Australia, and Dynamo in Lebanon.
Ayo is hopeful that the 6-foot-6 native of Kentucky can help Converge bounce back in a big way, especially with Justine Baltazar still out for the FiberXers due to his commitments with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL.
“He can play multiple positions for us. Hopefully, this versatility translates well for our team,” Ayo added.
Converge is slotted with Meralco, TNT, Magnolia, Northport, and Terrafirma in Group A of the season-opening tilt.
