Jamaal Franklin in action for Converge in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup, March 5, 2023 at the Philsports Arena. PBA Images
MANILA – The Converge FiberXers are bringing back former import Jamaal Franklin, after just four games in the PBA 50 Governors' Cup.
The team announced on Monday that Franklin will return to replace Jalen Hudson.
Converge currently has a 3-1 record in the season-ending conference, but the team is looking to carry this momentum as they seek to enter the playoffs.
READ: Coach calls on Converge to step up on defense after loss to SMB
Last conference, the FiberXers narrowly missed out on the quarterfinals, finishing ninth overall with import Kylor Kelley.
This time around, Converge is switching reinforcements early in the season-ending conference after an underwhelming performance from Hudson.
In four games with Converge, Hudson averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
Franklin returns three years after he first suited up for the FiberXers, under then head coach Aldin Ayo, in the PBA 47 Governors' Cup in 2023.
The former NBA player also came in as a replacement import for Ethan Rutsbach.
During his stint with Converge, Franklin averaged 34.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in 10 games before being replaced by former New Zealand Tall Black Tom Vodanovich before the playoffs.
After his first PBA stint, Franklin played for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League and the Guangzhou Loong Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association.
The 35-year-old is expected to make his return for the FiberXers against the TNT Tropang 5G on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.