MANILA – Converge is bringing in a new import ahead of its Thursday game against Terrafirma.
The FiberXers have activated Jamaal Franklin to replace Ethan Rusbatch as their foreign reinforcement.
Listed at six-feet-five, the 31-year-old shooting guard was a second-round pick in the 2013 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft.
However, he made his name in the Chinese Basketball Association, spending most of his professional career there.
He played for the Shanghai Sharks last season before accepting an offer to replace Rusbatch as the FiberXers' import for the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup.
Converge made itself known as a potential thorn in Ginebra's title defense after walloping NorthPort, 122-92, on Sunday night, the club's biggest win so far just one season after buying Alaska's franchise lock, stock, and barrel.
Rusbatch, however, only had 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 37 and a half minutes of play, which somehow did not sit well with the management, prompting them to summon Franklin.
Rusbatch, though, has been placed on the injured reserve list, which means the team could still reactivate him if needed.
The FiberXers and the Dyip will collide at 3 p.m. Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, right before the Meralco Bolts takes on the NorthPort Batang Pier. (PNA)
