The two first worked together in 3x3 action.
Chooks-to-Go 3x3 standout Mac Tallo and coach Aldin Ayo are set for a reunion.
On Saturday, the Converge FiberXers officially welcomed Tallo to the purple stable with a picture of the 29-year-old guard receiving a Converge T-shirt while standing next to a noticeably beaming Ayo.
The 6-foot guard, picked 10th by the TNT Tropang Giga in the 2017 PBA Draft, has long been linked to Ayo ever since the UAAP and NCAA champion coach took over the FiberXers. The two first worked together when the veteran tactician called the shots for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas then bannered by, yes, Tallo, who has established himself as among the country’s top players in the 3x3 circuit.
He last played in the PBA in 2019 for the NLEX Road Warriors before embarking on what has been an impressive, illustrious career in halfcourt hoops. Now, he gets to do his thing in 5x5 hoops—and for the coach who helped him bloom in the 3x3 game no less.
Tallo was officially released by Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas a couple of days ago, fueling speculation about his potential reunion with Ayo at Converge. It took a while, but it has finally materialized for the two—and not a moment too late, as the FiberXers had just let go of Jeron Teng, who subsequently signed with the San Miguel Beermen.
The explosive playmaker will join a young but talented Converge core that boasts big men Justin Arana and Jeo Ambohot and the ever-improving Alec Stockton.
It is unclear, however, if Tallo will be able to play in the Commissioner’s Cup as the official rosters have already been released.