Baltazar’s time in the Japan B.League is cut short after being released by his team.
Just months after signing with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League, former La Salle big man Justine Baltazar is now a free agent.
Baltazar's contract with the Hiroshima Dragonflies has been mutually terminated. This also means that he will no longer participate in the upcoming B.League Asia Rising Star Game, which will feature Filipino cagers in Japan.
In a statement, Baltazar expressed gratitude to the fans and mentioned that they will always hold a special place in his heart.
"To all the fans, thank you for supporting me and the whole Hiroshima Dragonflies team. Thank you for cheering me on since Day 1,” said Baltazar in the team’s official press release. “I hope you'll still support me and the rest. of the team. God bless us all. Thank you very much.”
Touted as a potential high pick in the 2022 PBA Rookie Draft after his successful stint with the Green Archers in the UAAP, Baltazar chose to play in Japan instead. However, his time with the Dragonflies did not flourish as expected after he played in only eight games. He accumulated totals of 13 minutes of playing time, 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal over the course of those eight games.
With his release, this opens the door for Baltazar to join the 2023 PBA Draft. But of course, he still has the option to find another team in Japan, South Korea, or even Taiwan. Teams will definitely be on the lookout for a promising big in Baltazar.