A Young Franchise Steps Into History
As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) celebrates its golden anniversary, Converge FiberXers, the league’s youngest team, finds itself standing shoulder to shoulder with legendary franchises on one of the PBA’s biggest nights. On Wednesday, Converge will share the spotlight in a special doubleheader at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, a 91-year-old venue steeped in Philippine sports heritage.
While only three years into their PBA journey—following their acquisition of the Alaska franchise in 2022—Converge sees this moment not just as a game, but as a profound milestone. Interim head coach Franco Atienza described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor the past while contributing to the league’s continuing story.
“Historic iyon, kasi golden anniversary ng unofficial national game natin,” Atienza said. “It’s really a big thing for us… a big honor and a big privilege para sa franchise.”
Honoring the Legacy of Philippine Basketball
The FiberXers are set to take on the Magnolia Hotshots, preceding the headline matchup between San Miguel Beer and Meralco Bolts. These four teams were carefully selected to participate in the league’s 50th anniversary celebration—an event that doesn’t just commemorate five decades of professional basketball, but pays tribute to the countless players, coaches, and fans who have shaped the sport.
Despite being a relatively new face in the PBA, Converge recognizes the importance of honoring the legacy that came before them. Atienza drew a personal connection to the moment, recalling how he, like many others, grew up watching games in the storied arena.
“It’s just a surreal feeling… to be playing in one of the two games and included among the four teams in such a big event,” he reflected. “You feel the nostalgia, the spirit, all those who came before us who’ve played the game.”
More Than a Game: A Tribute Through Performance
For Atienza and his squad, the game is more than a competition—it’s a tribute to history. The team’s mindset goes beyond winning or losing; it’s about playing with heart and honoring the people and moments that brought Philippine basketball to where it is today.
“To honor the legacy of all the people who came before you, you have to give it your best… Hindi guarantee na mananalo ka, pero it gives you a good chance na manalo,” Atienza emphasized.
That sentiment echoes the deeper values of the PBA’s golden anniversary: respect for history, passion for the game, and the drive to inspire the next generation. Converge sees this event not just as a ceremonial inclusion, but as a challenge—to perform at their peak and elevate the spirit of the occasion.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Coach Atienza’s words capture what many Filipino fans already know: basketball in the Philippines is more than a sport—it’s a part of the national identity. The Rizal Memorial Coliseum, with its historic architecture and echoes of past glory, serves as the perfect venue to connect the past, present, and future of Philippine basketball.
“You would want people to be inspired, to enjoy the game,” Atienza said. “We always put our best foot forward to honor that legacy and also help the anniversary celebrations.”
As Converge prepares to face a seasoned Magnolia team on this momentous night, the franchise embraces not only the challenge of the game but the honor of representing a new generation in the PBA’s enduring legacy.