Converge is banking on the hot hands of Rey Suerte as an added weapon to bolster its intention to go deep into the playoffs of the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) all-Filipino conference.
The FiberXers’ one-on-one trade with Blackwater, which acquired guard BJ Andrade, was approved by the Commissioner’s Office Tuesday.
Both players are expected to suit up for their new squads in the season-ending tournament slated next month.
Suerte, the No. 2 pick in the 2019 special Gilas draft, will join Converge when training resumes on 24 February.
A streaky shooter, the 30-year-old Suerte will be another scoring option on the wing aside from rookie Jordan Heading, Kevin Racal and Bryan Santos.
“He’s a dynamic scoring wing,” Converge deputy Charles Tiu told Daily Tribune in a text message.
The University of the East product, who played for almost three years with the Bossing, will be reunited with former Gilas teammates top overall pick in the last Draft Justine Baltazar, Heading and Mike Nieto.
Suerte averaged 4.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Converge made it into the quarterfinals of this season’s first two conferences.
The FiberXers gave San Miguel Beer fits in the Governors’ Cup quarters that went the full five games only to falter in the decider. Converge also advanced in the ongoing mid-season tourney’s quarters but was booted out by Rain or Shine in a best-of-three reversal.
“Converge is intent on winning now,” Tiu added of the franchise’s movement.
Andrade, on the other hand, is on his second team after his selection as 10th overall pick in 2023.
He missed the first two tournaments of his rookie year due to a knee injury but has been part of head coach Franco Atienza’s rotation off the bench.
Andrade averaged 3.89 points and 0.56 assists per game in his final tournament as a FiberXers.