Aldin Ayo finds perfect import in Jamaal Franklin

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New Converge import Jamaal Franklin in the PBA Governor’s Cup. – PBA PICTURES

Jamaal Franklin’s debut performance on Thursday was enough to convince coach Aldin Ayo that he has found an import that can lead Converge to contention in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governor’s Cup.

“I think I’ll stick with Jamaal,” Ayo said after Franklin poured in 42 points in a 130-115 win over Terrafirma Dyip at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City that gave the FiberXers a 2-0 start in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Franklin made an immediate impact on the Converge side as a replacement for Ethan Rusbatch, accounting for seven of FiberXers 16 triples while falling short of a triple-double by adding 11 rebounds and eight assists in 40 minutes.

Although the former NBA player had only two practices when the FiberXers decided to replace the import after only one game with Rustbach, who had 17 points and nine rebounds, last Sunday in a loss to NorthPort Batang Pier.

And Franklin believes that a little more familiarity can open the door for Converge to make a big leap after appearing in the quarterfinals in the first PBA coaching in the Commissioner’s Cup.

“I’ve only had two practices with the team, so I still have a lot to learn,” Franklin said. “Obviously, the details made us win the game, as the coach said. After more rebounds and more plays and more training, I think we will be very special as a team, because we look good and we can build chemistry with only two exercises.

Despite being impressed with Franklin, Ayo still wants things to get better.

“We’re going to make sure that he’s going to fit in with what we’re going to do,” Ayo said. “We can do this during the eliminations, but we have to work on our game plan. Hopefully, when the playoffs come, we can perform better.

One aspect Let’s see more room for improvement is complementing Converge’s high-octane offense with a stellar defense.

Top scorers

The FiberXers averaged 126.0 points through the first two games of the conference finals season, with Maverick Ahanmisi, Jeron Teng and rookie center Justine Arana among the top scorers.

But in the process, the FiberXers allowed their opponents to give up 103.5 points, nearly equaling the 106.2 average they gave up for the third-highest point in the midseason tournament.

Converge had trouble stopping Terrafirma import Jordan Williams, who exploded for 30 of the game-high 46 points in the high-scoring first half that ended with FiberXers trailing, 71-68.

Williams cooled down after the break, something that contributed to Converge taking more control of the way.

Next up for Converge is a tough test against Magnolia in Antipolo City.

“We will not stop until we can improve our defense,” said Ayo.