Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
Photos by PBA Images

Basketball

PBA glad MVP Group’s TNT opened arms to Converge


PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial feels fortunate that no conflict arose when Converge ICT Solutions expressed intentions of joining the league.

It was a consensus of sorts that the internet provider could have a difficult time in fulfilling its aspirations. It’s technically in the same industry as PLDT, owned by the First Pacific Company Ltd. of no less than Manny V. Pangilinan.

The MVP Group, as it’s been known, handles three ball clubs in the league, bannered of course by telecommunications network TNT.

Vividly remembered by the fifth-year chieftain was how he had to reach out to all parties involved that they needed to seek the nod of the conglomerate through PBA chairman and Tropang Giga governor Ricky Vargas.

“Tinawagan ako ni Comm. Chito [Salud] na papasok ang Converge, so tinawagan ko si Governor Dickie [Bachmann], papasok si Converge, kailangan magbigay paalam o magbigay-pugay muna tayo kay Chairman,” he shared.

“So ipinaalam ko kay Chairman, ‘Chairman gusto pumasok ng Converge, so ano masasabi niyo?’ Sabi niya, ‘Sige magmi-meeting muna kami.’ After one or two days, ‘Comm, okay, pumapayag kami.”

Yes, it didn’t take that long for the MVP Group to allow Converge to join the league, even if it’s a direct competitor. And so on Wednesday, the league officially announced that the company has acquired the Alaska franchise.

Marcial shared during the press conference at the MoA Arena that the Board of Governors voted unanimously, 11-0, for the new team’s inclusion.

“Ganun ka-smooth,” the amiable executive said in the presser also graced by Converge team governor and former league commissioner Chito Salud and Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann.

“Ganun kadali. Akala ko nga magkakaproblema. Katulad nga ng sinabi ko, 11-0. Kung boboto man si Gov. Dickie, 12-0 yan,” he added.

Salud, on the other hand, is filled with gratitude towards Pangilinan and his group for the warm welcome of Converge.

#ReadMore  TNT, Cavitex, Uratex headline inaugural Asia Tour 3x3 field

“Napaka-importante talaga nung binigkas na salita ni Chairman Ricky Vargas that he’s calling for a liberal mindset among the Board,” he said.

“I cannot overemphasize the admiration Dennis Uy has for Boss MVP or as I said for that remarkable sport and spirit that he displayed in welcoming Converge. We are all so grateful for these events.”

All PBA games stream live on GigaPlay. Download it now on Android or IOS.

The second game of each playdate is also livestreamed on SMART Sports.

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

ANTIPOLO — TNT’s successful title defense in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup has seemingly given the perennial contenders a false sense of security....

Basketball

ANTIPOLO — Joshua Munzon came through with the biggest of plays down the stretch to lift NorthPort past TNT, 100-95, to stay perfect in...

Basketball

Poy Erram won’t be around when TNT plays its second game of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday against NorthPort. The veteran...

Basketball

A complete Hong Kong Eastern squad flexed its might by obliterating the debuting TNT, 105-84, in a dominant bounce-back victory in the PBA Season...

Basketball

The PBA has offered possible remedies as Terrafirma finds itself in an impasse following the decision of Christian Standhardinger to retire from playing. One...

Basketball

TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana may have referred to their recent masterclass finals victory as a “job done,” but the versatile wingman is far...

Basketball

Another edition of the Manila Clasico will take place on Christmas Day as the PBA on Monday unveiled the full 2024-25 Commissioner’s Cup schedule....

Basketball

Poy Erram burst into tears as confetti rained inside the SMART Araneta Coliseum after TNT successfully lorded over the PBA Governors’ Cup anew. Never...

Advertisement