ANGELES CITY – The participation of Converge ICT in the next season of the PBA is now highly anticipated as it would bring pride and a competitive spirit known among Kapampangans.
Sports stalwart and multiple basketball champion coach Yeng Guiao said that Converge founder and CEO Dennis Anthony Uy, a fellow Kapampangan, brings to the court parity and competitiveness.
“We are proud (of him) as a Kapampangan. He will go to the league as one of us. That pride in itself is a motivating factor,” Guiao told PNN in an interview.
“Converge in the PBA is a welcome development. I personally know Dennis Uy. He has the capability. He is very competitive.”
Uy, who together with his family lives in Angeles City after their migration from China in the 1970s, will spearhead the campaign of Converge after the pure fiber internet provider bought the Alaska Aces franchise.
“Ayaw magpatalo ng Kapampangan. I think he will carry that character. I am happy despite (me) belonging to another group and team,” said the head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors.
“After my team, I will always be cheering for a Kapampangan,” he said.
His team, which just equaled its highest finish in the league’s semifinals round, belong to the MVP Group that also include the TnT Tropang Giga and Meralco Bolts. Its chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan also hails from Apalit, Pampanga.
Guiao also said that he has always advocated for more companies to join the current roster of 12 teams in the PBA.
Relatedly, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda, also known for making ordinary basketball players into PBA superstars, has also welcomed Converge in the PBA.
“Masaya tayo (sa pagsali ng Converge sa PBA) kasi ang owner nito ay Kapampangan. Our Kapampangan basketball players have more chances to play in the higher league,” said Pineda, who was tapped as Converge team consultant.
Pineda is known to be behind the discovery of Kapampangan PBA superstars Arwind Santos, Calvin Abueva and Ian Sanggalang. Also reported to be under his wing is current La Salle center and standout Justine Baltazar. Some news reports have it that Pineda is also credited for the inclusion of the 6’9” Mabalacat, Pampanga resident in his recent stint with the Gilas Pilipinas.
