Converge is doing everything to include Mac Tallo in its roster for the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup that opens on 5 November.
FiberXers head coach Aldin Ayo said their management is working double time to field Tallo, who is reportedly facing a six-month suspension after failing a random drug test in his previous stint with NLEX in 2019 that led to his release to free agency.
The PBA, however, has yet to formally issue a statement or release a final verdict on Tallo, who inked a two-year deal with the FiberXers following a pair of solid stints in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 recently.
Ayo said he is keeping a hands-off approach as their management is already handling the situation.
“I’m more focused now on preparing the team because the season is coming,” said Ayo, who couldn’t wait to reunite with Tallo after coaching him in various 3×3 events in the past.
“It’s up to the management which is now dealing with the inclusion of Mac. We want him to be part of the lineup but there are things that are beyond our control so it might be best if the management works on it while I concentrate on our preparation.”
The arrival of Tallo, who led Southwestern University to two Cebu Schools Athletics Foundation, Inc. titles, is tipped to be a major boost to the FiberXers following the departure of key players Maverick Ahanmisi and Jeron Teng.
Ahanmisi joined Barangay Ginebra while Teng connived with San Miguel, leaving young guns like Justin Arana, Barkley Eboña, Jerrick Balanza, Mike Nieto and Alec Stockton carrying the cudgels on both ends.
Ayo said he is keeping his fingers crossed over Tallo’s chances of returning to the PBA.
“We’re hoping, he said.
“But it will depend on the management — or the PBA.”
