Converge has finally brought in its original choice.
The FiberXers have signed Tom Vodanovich ahead of the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
He will be taking over from Jamaal Franklin, whose exit appeared imminent following a questionable showing against Ginebra last March 5.
Vodanovich was the club’s first option for the season-ending conference but the 28-year-old had commitments with New Zealand in NBL-Australia.
Converge instead signed Ethan Rusbatch before replacing him with Franklin.
The 28-year-old product of James Madison averaged 12.33 points and 4.33 rebounds for the Breakers, helping his side take a runner-up finish in the recently-concluded best-of-five Finals against Sydney.
“He’s an elite all-around player,” said Converge assistant team manager Jacob Lao as Vodanovich arrived in the country last Wednesday. “A very tough defender and he has high basketball IQ. Great basketball instincts as well.”
Vodanovich is also a core member of the NZ Tall Blacks.
He averaged a team-best 17.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers’ first round.
Barring any hitch in his height measurement in the PBA office later today at 3:00 p.m., Vodanovich will make his debut against San Miguel on Sunday. He is listed as 6-foot-7 by FIBA.
Converge is at a twice-to-win disadvantage against the Beermen.
