Seoul terminates KBL contract with Justine Baltazar—report

FILE–Justine Baltazar. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Korean Basketball League team Seoul Samsung Thunders have reportedly terminated their contract with Justine Baltazar.

As per Korean publication Jumpball, the team couldn’t get in touch with Baltazar in time for the February 1 player registration deadline.

“Samsung eventually decided to terminate the contract,” the story read.

Baltazar, who signed with the Thunders last month, just played in the Dubai International Basketball Championship as a member of Strong Group-Philippines, which wrapped up its campaign with a quarterfinals exit on Friday.

The 6-foot-9 forward has bounced around since playing his final UAAP season with La Salle last May in UAAP Season 84.

He initially declared for the PBA Draft but withdrew his application at the last minute to join the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League.

Baltazar, 25, however, didn’t last long in Japan as he and Hiroshima parted ways in December.

He then joined his home team Pampanga in the Pilipinas Super League before the news about his potential KBL stint surfaced.

Last month, Baltazar was added to Strong Group for its Dubai tilt.