The Converge FiberXers are currently mired in a frustrating slump, suffering four straight losses in the PBA Governors' Cup. Desperate to find a spark and reverse their fortunes, management made the bold decision to replace their initial import, Jalen Hudson.
While Hudson was undoubtedly low-producing—averaging just 12.25 points, 6.75 rebounds, and 4.25 assists per game—his replacement has yet to provide the winning formula Converge desperately needs.
Enter Jamaal Franklin. Familiar to Converge fans, Franklin was brought back to ignite the offense. However, a closer look at his recent performances reveals a glaring issue: he is putting up points, but his presence on the floor has yielded negative results for the team.
Here is a look at his production during this losing skid:
VS TNT: 30 Points | 5 Rebounds | -7 plus/minus
VS NLEX: 26 points | 6 rebounds | -10 plus/minus
VS SMB: 26 points | 12 rebounds | -7 plus/minus
The Missing "Monster"
If you rewind to the 2023 Governors' Cup, Franklin was an absolute monster for the FiberXers. During his first stint, he dominated the league with massive averages of 34.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. He was an unstoppable force who dictated the pace of the game and carried the offense.
Fast forward to today, and that transcendent version of Franklin seems to be missing. Despite his respectable scoring output, there is clearly a misconnection between him and the rest of the roster. The offense looks disjointed, and his negative plus/minus across these recent losses indicates that his individual numbers are not translating into team success. He is playing alongside a talented local core that includes Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana, Alec Stockton, and Mikey Williams, but the on-court chemistry is visibly lacking.
Should Converge Replace Him?
The short answer is yes. Converge should absolutely consider replacing Jamaal Franklin.
While he remains a capable volume scorer, what the FiberXers desperately need right now is not just someone who can fill up the stat sheet. They need a proven leader who will seamlessly mix well with their offensive system. They need an import who can facilitate ball movement, elevate the local players, and anchor the team's defensive and offensive sets during crucial stretches.
If Converge wants to salvage their conference and snap this four-game skid, finding a reinforcement whose playstyle breeds team cohesion—rather than isolation scoring—should be their top priority.
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