Converge has pulled the trigger.
The FiberXers on Friday that have replaced Kylor Kelley with Donovan Smith as their import ahead of their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup clash against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The decision comes two days after Converge’s 97-92 victory over defending champions TNT Tropang 5G, when head coach Delta Pineda said the team would evaluate Kelley’s status before their next game.
By Friday, the franchise finalized the change, bringing in Smith, who has already been in the country since Wednesday.
(C) PBA Images
Kelley, a 7-foot big man with NBA experience, averaged 12.5 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in his stint with Converge, primarily serving as the team’s defensive anchor.
However, his production dipped in recent games, including a seven-point, six-rebound outing against the Magnolia Hotshots and a four-point performance on 2-of-7 shooting with nine rebounds against TNT.
Kelley has been relegated to the reserve list.
Smith, a 6-foot-9 forward-center, is expected to provide a more offensive presence.
He previously played for Phoenix in the 2024–25 Commissioner’s Cup, where he averaged 30.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game.
He later joined Jeonju KCC in the KBL, posting 7.3 points and 3.6 rebounds.
Converge, currently holding a 3-6 record, is looking to strengthen its bid for a playoff spot as it heads into a pivotal stretch that includes games against Phoenix, NLEX, and Blackwater.
