Converge sends DiGregorio, Ilagan, & Hill for Blackwater’s Eboña and a draft pick

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Converge FiberXers’ roster overhaul isn’t done after sending a major trade package to the Blackwater Elite for the upcoming 2023 Governor’s Cup.

Converge confirmed that they will be shipping the trio of Mike DiGregorio, RK Ilagan, and Tyrus Hill in exchange for Blackwater Bossing’s Barkley Eboña and their 2023 PBA Rookie Draft first round pick.

The Aldin Ayo-led squad is coming off an impressive PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoff appearance but failed to get out of the first-round after getting swept by the reigning Philippine Cup kings San Miguel Beermen.

Despite an impressive hot start by the PBA rookie chief tactician, the FiberXers failed to contain San Miguel in the playoffs and were handed a demolition exhibition in the two-game stretch.

The franchise then didn’t hesitate to tweak its roster to their advantage and acquired the hard-working Eboña from the Bossing to solidify its frontcourt together with future superstar Justin Arana.

Aside from Eboña, Converge also boosted its youthful team after requesting a first-round pick inclusion which was rewarded by Blackwater.

However, to get the services of Eboña, the FiberXers let go of their pesky guard Ilagan, reliable shooter DiGregorio, and two-way forward Hill.

The trio proved to be efficient during their run with Converge especially Ilagan who had several big games wearing the FiberXers uniform.

Ilagan became Converge’s clutch shot maker after bailing them out in several games that helped them pile up some wins to get to the post-season.

The 25-year-old gunner from the San Sebastian Stags concluded his Commissioner’s Cup stint with 9.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game.