Longtime basketball patron Dennis “Delta” Pineda confirmed that PBA top draft pick Justine Baltazar is prioritizing his commitment to the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL for now.
Converge fans will have to wait a little longer before seeing newcomer Justine Baltazar don the FiberXers jersey in the PBA.
Apparently, the top overall pick will have to fulfill his duties with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL this season, according to longtime basketball patron and Giant Lanterns head coach, Gov. Dennis Pineda.
Pampanga is gunning to defend its title in the tournament which will end in December.
“Right now, priority muna namin 'yung dedication sa mga Kapampangan na tapusin 'yung season namin sa MPBL,” said Pineda of the reigning MPBL MVP, during the PBA Rookie Draft at the Glorietta 4 Activity Center on Sunday, July 14.
Pineda said the 6-foot-7 versatile forward will join the FiberXers right after wrapping up his MPBL stint.
“We’ll see kasi ang daming magaling na teams ngayon sa MPBL. We never know kung hahabol ba kami or what, basta after na after (ng MPBL), punta na siya rito sa bagong buhay niya,” the Pampanga governor said with a smile.
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Pineda said he could not help but be happy for the former La Salle cager who began his basketball career under his famed stable.
“Masaya ako in a way na nagsimula 'yung bata sa amin. Ulila, walang ama, walang nanay, sa resettlement nakatira. Pero right now, No. 1 pick na,” he said.
“'Yun 'yung saya na hindi maibibigay ng pera o ano man. Kung ano mang tulong na naibigay ko sa bata, 'yan 'yung kapalit, na makita kong umangat 'yung buhay noong bata.”
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The former Gilas standout is expected to be a game-changer for the embattled Converge side which wound up dead last in last sesason’s Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup.
Just ask coach Aldin Ayo.
“Tulad ng sinabi ko sa inyo, naghahanap kami ng big man at versatile. Lahat ng binanggit ko doon sa interview, nandito kay Balti. Big man, skilled, nandito lahat,” Ayo said.
“Aside from the talent and the skills that he has, I know him. We know him personally. We know he’s a winner. We know he’s going do whatever it takes to help the team win."