By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Converge FiberXers are being convinced to find ways to let Strong Group-Philippines center Dwight Howard play in the PBA after he expressed a desire to suit up as an import in the league.
According to Pampanga Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, he has assigned FiberXers team manager Jacob Lao to assess Howard against the PBA’s criteria, specifically evaluating if he meets the league’s 6-foot-9 height requirement.
“Sinabi ko na ‘yun kina Jacob at sa Converge, ‘Try niyo nga sukatan ng same tape measure na gamit ng PBA, at same process na ginagawa nila,’ para magka-alaman na,” Pineda said in an interview with sports insider Snow Badua.
“Alam ko 6-foot-8 lang ‘yan. ‘Yung 6-foot-10 niya sa NBA, nakasapatos ‘yun,” he said.
“Kung interesado lumaro si Dwight sa PBA, then gawan natin ng paraan. Let’s go for it. Let’s make it happen for the fans, for the league, and for our team,” he added.
Despite being eliminated from playoff contention in the 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, the FiberXers have one remaining game in the elimination round against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday, January 14.
Pineda, who was supposed to be the FiberXers’ team governor on the PBA Board, emphasized that permitting Howard to play in the PBA would be beneficial for both Converge and the league as a whole.
“Kung gusto niyang lumaro sa Converge, good for the team. Imagine mo meron tayong ex-NBA [player] na maglalaro. It will be good for the league. For promotion [ng Converge], malaking bagay ‘yun,” Pineda said.
“Kung sa salary naman ni Dwight ang pag-uusapan, dinala na nga ng Strong Group eh. Partner ng Converge ‘yun. Need na lang kausapin si Dwight regarding the pay,” he added.
Nevertheless, Pineda clarified that Howard’s potential future stint with Converge does not guarantee a championship for the FiberXers, emphasizing the need for a strong supporting group for the former NBA star.
“Hindi pa rin tayo sure na kung maglalaro sa Converge si Dwight Howard, magcha-champion agad. Hindi ganun, team pa rin ‘yan,” he said.
“One piece of the puzzle lang si Dwight. His teammates will still play an integral role,” he added./ASC, WDJ