Converge head coach Delta Pineda knew the question was coming after the FiberXers’ stunning 97-92 win over defending PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday evening.
What’s the situation with Kylor Kelley?
The amiable vice governor of Pampanga said the situation remains up in the air.
“Mag-uusap kami ng mga coaches after this,” Pineda said. “The next game will be on Sunday.
“Mag-a-advise kami sa PBA kung meron o wala. Right now, hinga muna kami.”
Despite his NBA pedigree, the 7-foot Kelley has primarily served as an anchor for Converge’s defense in his role as import. He is averaging 12.50 points, 15.13 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game.
However, in the FiberXers’ last two outings, Kelley’s production has dwindled.
(C) PBA Images
He was limited to seven points and six rebounds against Magnolia last Sunday, then finished with just four points on 2-of-7 shooting along with nine rebounds against TNT.
“Kylor, I think, played good naman,” said Pineda.
Meanwhile, according to sources closely monitoring the situation, Converge is already bringing in burly 6-foot-9 big man Donovan Smith.
Smith previously played for Phoenix in the 2024–25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, where he averaged 30.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.2 steals.
He later suited up for Jeonju KCC to finish the season, where he normed 7.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Smith then played in Bahrain last season.
Converge has until Saturday at 12:00 PM to decide whether to continue with Kelley or replace him with Smith.
Coincidentally, the FiberXers’ next game will be against Phoenix on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After the Fuel Masters, Converge still has NLEX on May 2 and Blackwater on May 9.
The FiberXers are currently 3-6 in the standings — a full game behind eighth-running San Miguel Beermen.
