Baltazar last played for Gilas in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
Newly appointed Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone clarified his statement about forward Justine Baltazar's availability for the national team after the latter claimed he hasn't received any invitation from Gilas.
Cone said on Thursday's press conference that Baltazar has shown "zero interest" in suiting up for Gilas. The PBA's winngest coach however backpedaled in a separate interview with former PBA commissioner Noli Eala.
"First of all, I didn’t say that I have tried, I said we have tried to get him. I was never involved in that process of trying to get him. I’ve never been in the process of recruiting guys," Cone said on One Ph's Power and Play.
"I was told when I was with the national team that we have made multiple efforts to try to get him, we never were able to. The reasons, I do not know."
Eala then asked Cone, "If you really want him, why not just invite him? He says he’s available."
Coach Tim said he doesn't have the luxury to integrate Baltazar for the Asian Games because he will lean into players who more or less have an idea of what the system will be for the Asian Games.
"I wouldn’t mind [inviting Baltazar], but I don’t know him. The last time I saw him play was in [the De La Salle Green Archers], two, three years ago, during the pandemic," Cone pointed out.
"We’re gonna go with the guy who we’re familiar with. If we have a pool and we can bring him in, look at him, fine, that would be great. If I have more time, then yes, we would invite him."
Right now, Cone wants to move past the issue as he has a heavier task ahead with the Asian Games on the horizon.
"He may be absolutely right. I do not know. To me it’s absolute non-issue at this point, I have to worry about that. I gotta continue to move on."