Jeff Cariaso looks forward to building a competitive team with Converge

New franchise, same values.

This was how Jeff Cariaso explained their mindset as Converge formally made its entry to the PBA on Tuesday, weeks after the Alaska franchise bid farewell to the league after 36 colorful years.

Cariaso, who was retained as the team head coach, said they plan to build a competitive team, same with what they did with the Aces where they even reached the quarterfinal round of the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup before their exit.

"The transition has been, honestly, para siyang roller coaster because we discussed the ending of a dynasty, we tried to end it with a bang but obviously, it didn't end the way that we wanted it to be," Cariaso said during the team's official launch on Tuesday.

"But then comes a new group who purchased the franchise and who are just as excited, just as passionate. And ito 'yung importante, they carry the same values that Alaska did during our time," he added.

"I'm excited to start this journey with them. We ended Alaska with confetti and now we're starting it also with confetti so you can imagine the excitement and happiness from us."

Cariaso was also elated that the new management led by team owner Dennis Anthony Uy is very supportive of the team.

The seasoned tactician added that they have yet to finalize their lineup as they are still looking forward to the PBA Season 97 Rookie Draft, where they have the third, fourth, and 15th picks.

"I guess we’re excited with the challenge and the new opportunity. I think you can see how serious they are with a media day like this. Hearing from the owners, you feel how not just passionate and excited they are but how competitive they are," Cariaso added.

"I think they really wanna form a competitive team that’s no different on how we approach things in the last few years. This new opportunity is exciting."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News