Converge eyes breakthrough semifinal run with Juan Gomez de Liaño in 50th PBA Season

Converge is setting its sights higher in the PBA’s landmark 50th season, with the franchise determined to finally break past its quarterfinal ceiling. 

The FiberXers made a bold move in Sunday’s draft, acquiring the No. 2 overall pick from Phoenix to secure Juan Gomez de Liaño, a player head coach Dennis “Delta” Pineda believes can provide the maturity and international experience the young squad has long needed.

“Especially ‘yung first pick namin, malaking tulong po ito sa Converge,” said Pineda. “Alam naman natin ‘yung experience ni Juan. Talagang international na po ‘yung games na nalaruan niya. It will be a big help sa Converge kasi puro bata ‘yung amin so makaka-add ng experience itong bata na ‘to.”

The deal, which sent Bryan Santos and the No. 8 selection to Phoenix, was a calculated gamble aimed at ensuring Converge landed its target. “Talagang si Juan po ‘yung target namin kaya nakipag-usap po kami sa trade,” Pineda revealed. 

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“I’m blessed to be chosen by Converge.”

WATCH: Juan Gómez de Liaño expressed his gratitude upon being selected by the Converge FiberXers with the second overall pick in the PBA 50 Draft. | via JK Carandang / GMA Integrated News

Follow #GMASports for more #PBA updates. pic.twitter.com/q3GCUNecav

— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) September 7, 2025

Gomez de Liaño joins a core that already features towering big men Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana, as well as dynamic guards Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston.

 With the pieces in place, Pineda is confident the FiberXers now have the right balance of youth and experience to chase a historic semifinal berth.

In just three seasons since taking over the Alaska franchise, Converge has reached the playoffs six times but has repeatedly stalled in the quarterfinals. Pineda believes those trials have toughened up his group and prepared them for the next step.

“Three years na kami sa league. Etong mga bata, unti-unting nagkakaroon ng experience na nakita na nila kung gaano kahirap ang PBA. I think etong next season, magma-mature na ‘yung players namin,” said the Converge mentor.

With Gomez de Liaño onboard, Converge hopes its long-awaited breakthrough is finally within reach. “Praying na sana, umabot na kami ng semis para naman po sumaya ‘yung mga fans ng Converge,” Pineda added. 

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