Juan Gomez de Liaño says Converge is hungry to shake off underdog tag in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

Even with high-profile additions, Converge enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a chip on its shoulder.

Juan Gomez de Liaño is candid about the FiberXers’ position as the league heads into the mid-season conference. 

While the team has bolstered its lineup with veteran Calvin Abueva, former road warrior Jonnel Policarpio and Javee Mocon, and potentially Mikey Williams, Gomez de Liaño emphasizes that on-paper talent does not automatically translate to postseason success.

“I’d say we’re coming in still as underdogs because we haven’t proven anything yet in the league. We haven’t gone past the quarterfinals,” Gomez de Liaño said, highlighting the team’s unfinished business despite last season’s quarterfinals berth.

Converge will rely on its newly strengthened frontcourt, Abueva joining Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana — and the addition of import Kylor Kelley to finally break through the first-round barrier. The anticipated arrival of Williams could also provide the perimeter scoring and experience needed in clutch moments.

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PBA RETURNS NEXT MONTH

The Titan Ultra Giant Risers and the Terrafirma Dyip clash in the opening game of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on March 11.

The Macau Black Bears and Converge FiberXers will battle in the second match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. | via @PaigeJavier… pic.twitter.com/tFhl7LJ18L

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) February 26, 2026

Gomez de Liaño also said, “I feel like now with the right pieces and the tools, I think we really have a chance to go past the first round especially, you know, with Calvin coming in. We also got Mikey Williams and the import as well.” 

The PBA Commissioner’s Cup kicks off on March 11, with Converge facing the guest team Macau Black Bears. For Gomez de Liaño and his teammates, the focus is clear and that is to prove the team can go further than ever before.

Chemistry remains the ultimate test for Converge. Integrating newcomers like Abueva, Policarpio, and potentially Mikey Williams into a cohesive unit will be critical if the team wants to move beyond the early playoff rounds. 

Gomez de Liaño acknowledges that skill alone isn’t enough — the team must learn to operate seamlessly under pressure and develop trust across all positions.

Beyond individual talent, Converge’s mindset is under scrutiny. The team aims to shed its underdog label, and that starts with approaching each game as a statement. 

Every matchup in the Commissioner’s Cup is an opportunity to showcase growth, and for Converge, the stakes are as much about establishing identity as they are about winning.

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