February 07, 2026

Abueva the missing piece? Juan Gomez de Liaño weighs in on Converge's PBA move

Abueva the missing piece? Juan Gomez de Liaño weighs in on Converge
Calvin Abueva and Juan Gomez de Liaño team up in hopes of helping Converge get over the hump | Photo: PBA Images

Not a few were excited to see Calvin Abueva join the young Converge core ahead of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

Count FiberXers rising star Juan Gomez de Liaño among them.

“I’m really excited to team up with Calvin,” the super rookie told One Sports in a message.

[RELATED STORY: PBA: Converge acquires Calvin Abueva from Titan Ultra]

In a huge trade, Titan Ultra shipped the 38-year-old Abueva to Converge for Rey Suerte, King Caralipio, and Mark Omega.

The move should position the FiberXers well, as Converge looks to end its string of close calls in the quarterfinals, the latest of which came in the Philippine Cup.

With Gomez de Liaño emerging as a Best Player of the Conference candidate, Abueva’s arrival after a renaissance with the Giant Risers presents a win-now approach for Converge.

Abueva averaged 23.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for Titan Ultra in the Philippine Cup.

[ALSO READ: Finals MVP June Mar Fajardo hopes to inspire aspiring Cebuano ballers: 'Walang imposible’]

As such, could Abueva be the missing piece that the FiberXers need to reach the franchise’s first semifinals?

JGDL thinks so.

“He’s an incredible player, and I believe his talent and energy will make a significant impact for the team as we aim for a championship run,” he said.

“The amount of experience he brings to the table will definitely be a huge boost for our young squad.”


Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.

He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.

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