FiberXers star JGDL believes stronger chemistry will bode well for his squad

Juan Gomez de Liaño (with ball) rises for a shot. —PBA IMAGES

Converge got off to a flying start in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday when it pummeled an import-less Titan Ultra squad by 31 in faraway Rodriguez, Rizal.

Juan Gomez de Liaño and the rest of the FiberXers are hoping that the 105-74 rout at the Ynares Center Montalban would set the tone for a potential turnaround after a dismal run in the Commissioner’s Cup.

“It’s definitely added motivation for us to try to perform and win games,” Gomez de Liaño said.

The FiberXers missed out on a playoff spot in the previous conference despite stockpiling new talent with the arrival of Mikey Williams and the acquisition of Calvin Abueva to mix with Gomez de Liaño, Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar and Alec Stockton.

Enough time

But Converge could only post a 5-7 record as it dealt with an adjustment period with a new roster while also enduring the inconsistencies of 7-foot import Kylor Kelley, who was replaced by Donovan Smith, albeit too late.

With that experience and enough time to build more chemistry this time, the FiberXers will attempt to get back to their winning ways in the Governors’ Cup.

“I truly believe our team can make it far in the playoffs, especially with the guys that we have,” the Rookie of the Year frontrunner and Most Valuable Player candidate said. “I’m very optimistic still. And I know that we can make it happen with the pieces that we have.”

Beermen’s opener

Gomez de Liaño, coming off an impressive stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers, scored just two points but had nine rebounds and nine assists in the blowout win.

Import Jalen Hudson, back in the PBA after his debut in 2023 with TNT was cut when he was replaced by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, posted 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals while Williams hit seven of his 13 points in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer starts its third conference campaign on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, favored to run roughshod over a guest team Macau squad that lost to NLEx by 39 points the last time.

The Beermen parade import George King, who joins the powerhouse squad after playing for Blackwater last season, while Jerrick Ahanmisi debuts in the hope of being a key contributor.

Of course, San Miguel is expected to be led by MVP favorite June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross and Rodney Brondial.

Coach Jimmy Alapag and NLEx go for a 3-0 start in the 5:15 p.m. opener against Titan, which set a record for futility when it missed its first 17 tries from beyond the arc in the loss to Converge.

Titan’s James Milton missed that outing while waiting clearance to play.

The Road Warriors opened their Group A campaign in contrasting fashion; they blew out the visiting Giant Pandas first before nearly wasting a 23-point lead in a 101-100 thriller against Terrafirma last Sunday. INQ