Converge will be bringing an import very familiar to Filipinos for the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup.
The FiberXers have tapped Kiwi forward Ethan Rusbatch as their import for the season-ending conference which begins on January 22.
Converge assistant team manager Jacob Lao and head coach Aldin Ayo confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times.
“I think the coaches and us decided to bring in Ethan because he came from a good program. He is well-versed in international basketball,” said Lao.
“He is also a deadshot as he can light up the scoreboard and he’s style will compliment with Converge’s kasi kaya niya sumabay sa fast-paced game, run to the three, and plays hard-nosed, physical defense. So I hope tama kami sa decision na ‘to.”
Rusbatch, who stands at 6-foot-5 and is 30 years old, was part of the Tall Blacks team that beat Gilas twice during the first half of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
He tallied 10 points, five rebounds, and an assist during their February encounter and folloewd it up with 12 points during the third window.
Rusbatch is averaging 12.3 points on 2.5 threes per game with 1.5 assists in the ongoing qualifiers.
Rusbatch was also part of New Zealand’s 2019 World Cup team.
(C) FIBA.basketball
He has also played for Southland, Taranaki, Canterbury, and Hawke’s Bay in the NZ-NBL and represented New Zealand in the NBL-Australia.
During the 2021 season, he averaged 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
“From what we’ve heard and seen, he is a fundamentally sound player and has good character,” said Ayo.
“He really loves to play within a system which is perfect for our young team.”
Rusbatch will join Converge’s practice on January 5.
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
