Converge’s Aldin Ayo. Photo from PBA Images.

MANILA — The Converge FiberXers concluded the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on a victorious note.

Aldyin Ayo's boys showed a glimpse of their potential as they defeated the TNT Tropang Giga on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. But despite this, they will still finish as the last-ranked team of the conference.

READ: Converge ends PH Cup on sweet note with upset of TNT

They also finished at the bottom of the standings during the first conference of the league's 48th season, where they tied Blackwater with a 1-10 slate. This puts the FiberXers in prime position to land the top pick in the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft later this year.

According to Ayo, this will be vital for their buildup especially since they are a squad that is reliant on player development and their rookies. 

"Boss Jacob [Lao] is building this team piece by piece. We already have our first group, our second group played well, so we're excited for the draft," he said after the game.

"Aside from the draft, si Boss Jacob? I don't know kung natutulog pa yun eh. Isip ng isip kung anong gagawin sa team namin. We've been very patient kasi we're competing against teams na ilang taon na sila dito eh," he added.

"Nakaikot na sila, and nakakapili sila ng mga players na kung sinong para sa kanila eh. They have their own ways of getting players that they want and they need. For us, pasensyoso kami," he continued. 

Ayo, a champion coach in the NCAA and the UAAP, has a team that features predominantly young players. His core is composed of Aljun Melecio, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, Bryan Santos, and King Caralpio among others, and Ayo said that they will remain patient with them.

"We're waiting for our young players to improve and to mature. Right now, what we need is time. Hopefully, mag improve yung mga players namin in this long break, and hopefully, swertehin kami sa drafting," he said.

Asked if they will be shaking up their roster for next season, here is what he had to say:

"It will depend on the management, on boss Jacob. The core, I think we already have the core, and dadagdagan na lang siguro ng kung anong mga kulang namin."

As for the draft, the former La Salle, Letran, and UST mentor said that getting a big man would be their priority.

"Hopefully, makuha namin yung kailangan namin. Yung desisyon niyan kung sinong kukunin, we will talk about it," said Ayo.

"Of course kung sino yung pinaka available na bigman. Kung sumali si Kai Sotto? Si Kai Sotto. Si Carl Tamayo, baka umuwi. Baka umuwi yung mga overseas nating mga players," he added

"Si KQ may isa pa eh," he continued, referring to De La Salle University superstar Kevin Quiambao, who has committed to return to the Green Archers for UAAP Season 87.

Asked if another former La Salle big man in Justin Baltazar is also included in their wish list, Ayo kept his answer short: "Baka! Baka."

READ: Justine Baltazar 'open' to enter PBA, hopes for another Gilas stint

READ: Kevin Quiambao reaffirms commitment to La Salle for Season 87

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