PBA veteran Vic Manuel says title only a matter of time for up-and-coming Converge

Veteran forward Vic Manuel is bullish on the future of the Converge FiberXers despite the team’s heartbreaking exit from the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Converge saw its bid for a first-ever semifinal appearance slip away dramatically with Stephen Holt’s buzzer-beating triple lifting Ginebra to a 99–98 overtime victory that ended the FiberXers’ season. 

The loss came after Converge squandered a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round, including a lopsided 105–85 defeat in Game 1 of the matchup.

Despite the crushing finish, Manuel believes the combination of youth and size on Converge’s roster will pay dividends in future campaigns. 

Manuel, who returned to PBA action late in the season on a short-term deal with Converge, said he was impressed by how the team’s twin towers, Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar, along with rookie Juan Gomez de Liano, have emerged as foundational pieces. 

“May future ‘yung team,” Manuel said. “Sobrang talented nila, ang lalaki. Nanlilit ako sa team na ito lalo na sa mga big guys. Ang lalaki lahat, halos 6-6 pataas. Ako lang yung pinakamaliit na big man dito.”

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OH MY GOODNESS, STEPHEN HOLT!! 😱🔥

Stephen Holt drills the game-winning triple to lift Barangay Ginebra San Miguel past the Converge FiberXers by ONE POINT in overtime of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/LmIK9CZUT0

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 28, 2025

He noted that their size and skill blend give the FiberXers distinct advantages, especially in physical matchups against more experienced teams.

The timing of his signing was strategic, coming just before the playoffs, but his contract ends with the conference, and Converge has yet to announce whether he will return.

For now, Converge will regroup in the offseason, armed with a roster that Manuel believes has the talent and physical tools to eventually compete for championships, potentially sooner rather than later. 

“Tingin ko naman kaya. “Bago naman ako dumating dito lumalaban na ito e,” he said.

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