Converge and Magnolia square off in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on the same day the league celebrates its 50th founding anniversary.
Justine Baltazar once aspired to play against fellow Kapampangans who made a name for themselves in the big leagues in Manila.
Baltazar will finally have his chance on Wednesday, April 9, when Converge tangles with Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
For the first time ever, Baltazar gets to match up against Hotshots stars Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang, who both hail from Pampanga like he does.
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“Siguro magiging ready lang ako kasi yun mga kuya ko eh. Last conference di ko sila nakalaban. Mga Kapampangan,” said the the 6-foot-7 cager from Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Baltazar admitted he has yet to play against the two in any game even outside the PBA, making Wednesday's clash all the more special.
After all, the 28-year-old big man only joined the PBA in Dec. 12 last year after being drafted No. 1 overall by the FiberXers months prior.
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“Wala pa,” he said when asked if he already shared the court with Abueva and Sangalang before.
Widely seen as Converge’s cornerstone, Baltazar doesn’t expect Abueva and Sangalang — two-thirds of San Sebastian’s formidable "Pinatubo Trio" with Rondald Pascual — to give him a warm welcome to the league.
But he is ready to take on the challenge nonetheless.
“Magiging ready lang ako sa mga kuya ko,” he said.