I still remember the excitement building up as September 2019 approached - the PBA season was heating up, and fans like me were eagerly marking our calendars. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned that September often becomes the turning point where championship contenders truly separate themselves from the pack. This particular season felt special because we were witnessing teams like Converge making strategic moves that could potentially shake up the entire league landscape.
Just last week, I came across that fascinating interview with Gomez de Liano that got me really thinking about team dynamics. He mentioned, "I met with them a week ago. I love their plan for me. We are all on the same page. Our goal is to win a championship. I can't wait to represent Converge." This statement resonated with me because it perfectly captures that crucial moment when a player buys completely into a team's vision. From my perspective, this kind of player-coach alignment often makes the difference between a good team and a championship team. Converge seemed to be building something special, and their September schedule would truly test their championship mettle.
The September 2019 PBA calendar was packed with approximately 28 games spread across multiple venues, creating what I consider one of the most balanced schedules I've seen in recent years. What impressed me most was the strategic spacing of games - teams typically had 3 to 5 days between matches, allowing for proper recovery and preparation. The Smart Araneta Coliseum hosted about 40% of the month's games, while the Mall of Asia Arena and other regional venues shared the remaining schedule. I've always preferred when the league mixes metro Manila venues with provincial locations - it really helps grow the game nationwide.
Looking at Converge's specific schedule, they had what I'd call a moderately challenging September with 6 games scheduled. Their opening match on September 6th against traditional powerhouse San Miguel had me particularly excited, especially after hearing about Gomez de Liano's enthusiasm. From my experience watching PBA through the years, early September games often set the tone for how teams will perform in the crucial elimination rounds. Converge's road game on September 15th in Lucena particularly stood out to me - provincial games have this unique energy that often brings out either the best or worst in teams.
The scheduling philosophy this season seemed to favor competitive balance rather than convenience, which I personally appreciate. Teams played an average of 5.3 games each throughout September, with no team having more than 7 matches. This careful planning prevented the exhausting back-to-backs that often plagued previous seasons. I've noticed that when players aren't stretched too thin, we get to see higher quality basketball with fewer injuries. The league office deserves credit for this thoughtful approach.
What really caught my attention was how Converge's schedule positioned them for success. They had what I'd describe as a favorable stretch from September 20th to 25th where they played three games against middle-tier opponents. This kind of scheduling quirk can make or break a team's championship aspirations. Having followed Gomez de Liano's development, I genuinely believe this period could have been their springboard to contention. The chemistry he mentioned in that interview would have been crucial during this exact stretch.
The venue distribution throughout September showed what I consider smart planning by the PBA. While major Manila venues hosted the majority of games, the decision to schedule about 30% of matches in provincial locations like Bacoor and Antipolo demonstrated the league's commitment to nationwide engagement. I've always felt that bringing games to different regions creates deeper fan connections and discovers new basketball talents in the process. The September 28th double-header in Cebu particularly stood out as a highlight for Visayas-based fans.
Reflecting on that entire September schedule now, I can't help but feel it was one of the better-planned months in recent PBA history. The balanced approach gave every team a legitimate chance to build momentum while testing their depth and resilience. Converge's journey particularly interested me because of how their strategic planning aligned with the schedule's opportunities. Gomez de Liano's excitement about the team's championship vision seemed perfectly timed with their September lineup. While we can analyze schedules and matchups all day, what ultimately matters is how teams capitalize on these opportunities. Based on what we saw developing that September, I firmly believe Converge was positioning themselves as dark horse contenders, though we'll never know how far that particular season could have taken them given subsequent global events that affected sports worldwide.