Dennis Pineda embraces team effort after appointment as Converge head coach

The Converge FiberXers made a major shake-up to their coaching staff on Friday, September 5, officially appointing Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda as their new head coach ahead of the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) landmark 50th season.

Pineda replaces Franco Atienza, who guided Converge to three straight quarterfinal appearances in Season 49. The 55-year-old becomes the franchise’s fourth head coach since it was acquired from Alaska in 2022, following Jeffrey Cariaso, Aldin Ayo, and Atienza.

Speaking during the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft proceedings, Pineda acknowledged the challenges ahead and stressed that he will lean heavily on his staff for support. He will be assisted by former Gilas Pilipinas mentor Rajko Toroman, Serbian tactician Djordje Jovicic, and Atienza, who remains with the team in a new role.

“We’ve built a strong group with a healthy working relationship that’s all about helping one another,” Pineda said during the draft event.

Atienza will join a seasoned staff that also features PBA legend Willie Miller, Chico Manabat, Manny Dandan, and Karl Santos, among others.

Multiple Source Via Tiebreaker Times:

Former @MPBLOfficial Pampanga Giant Lanterns Coach Dennis “Delta” Pineda has New Headcoach of @ConvergeFiberXr in upcoming @pbaconnect 50 Season 2025-2026 pic.twitter.com/BxJdTPjlEu

— Miz Basket (@jamballe0340033) September 6, 2025

Pineda is no stranger to success on the sidelines. He previously steered the Pampanga Giant Lanterns to back-to-back Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) championships and also captured a Pilipinas Super League (PSL) title.

Converge further bolstered its roster on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall, selecting former Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout and UP Fighting Maroons guard Juan Gomez de Liano with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft. He now joins a promising core led by big men Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana, along with backcourt talents Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton.

The FiberXers also strengthened their frontcourt by acquiring the rights to Larry Muyang from the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a three-team deal that included NorthPort Batang Pier.

With a revamped coaching staff and a retooled roster, all eyes will be on whether Pineda can carry over his winning pedigree from Pampanga and finally push Converge past the quarterfinal barrier into title contention.

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