Converge vehemently denied any speculation that Aldin Ayo is on the out as FiberXers head coach on Thursday evening.
There was speculation early in the day that the first-year Converge head coach is either leaving the team or getting the pink slip.
However, assistant team manager Jacob Lao, speaking on behalf of the team, said that Converge is firmly behind Ayo and what he is building.
“We are denying the rumors regarding Coach Aldin,” said the young team executive. “In fact, our sole focus right now is how we will prepare our team for the upcoming playoffs.
“Maybe this is just a way for our opponents to distract us and our players and derail our preparations,” continued Lao as the timing of it came just days after they released their import Jamaal Franklin.
Ayo was hired by Converge back in August 2022 after buying out the contract of Jeffrey Cariaso.
Four months later, Converge also brought in Pampanga governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Lao to serve as team managers.
Lao shared that moments after the rumor came out, he immediately called Pineda. And the two are united in saying that “if one goes, they all go.”
“We all came to Converge together. And as one team, we want to stress that if one goes, we all go,” said Lao.
“Together, we are trying to build a culture — a winning culture — here in Converge. We trust Coach Aldin’s vision and we are working together in forming a contending team. It would not make sense for us to stay if he goes. If any of us goes, we all go as well.”
Converge will enter the playoffs as the seventh-ranked team and will have a playoff handicap against whoever they face.
Win or lose though, Lao stressed that it’s all part of the process.
“Everyone should remember that we are just a new team in the league and Coach Aldin is just in his second conference. Whatever we can get this conference is something that we will build on entering the new PBA season,” said Lao.
