Justine Baltazar picked first overall by Converge in PBA Draft

Justine Baltazar is the first overall pick by the Converge FiberXers in the 2024 PBA Season 49 Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Former Gilas Pilipinas cadet Justine Baltazar, to nobody’s surprise, was taken first overall by the Converge FiberXers on Sunday in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft.

At Converge, Baltazar reunites with his former coach Aldin Ayo, his mentor at La Salle in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Baltazar, 27, has long been pegged to be an integral piece for the FiberXers—a crew that finished 12th in the last Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups.

READ: PBA: Justine Baltazar knows what he can bring to Converge

The 6-foot-7 forward, long labeled as the consensus top pick of his class long before he declared for the draft, bolsters a young and tall Converge frontline featuring reigning Rookie of the Year Justin Arana and Jeo Ahombot.

The Converge franchise racked up a total of just three wins during the previous PBA season.

The 6-foot-7 Mabalacat, Pampanga, native is currently playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League where he is the reigning Most Valuable Player with averages of 17.4 points, 16. 9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 blocks.

Baltazar expected to finish his contract with the Giant Lanterns before suiting up for Ayo and Converge.