Justine Baltazar during the 2024 PBA Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—For Converge coach Aldin Ayo, taking Justine Baltazar first overall in the 2024 PBA Draft was a no-brainer.
Ayo said the 6-foot-9 Baltazar has everything he’s looking for to turn the FiberXers’ fortunes around after a forgettable season.
“Like I’ve been saying, we’re looking for a versatile big man. All of the things I want in a player that I’ve been telling in interviews, Balti has it. He’s a big man, skilled, everything,” said Ayo in Filipino at Glorietta Activity Center on Sunday.
“We know that he’s a winner. We know that he’s going to do whatever it takes to help our team.”
READ: PBA Draft: Baltazar, Barefield and a few first round surprises
Converge coach Aldin Ayo and 2024 first overall pick Justine Baltazar. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ZMvwpjrS6r
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 14, 2024
Baltazar had been the consensus top pick since he declared for this year’s draft.
It’s always been predicted that Converge would pick Baltazar but Ayo tried to keep the PBA faithful guessing on who they would draft.
After a lackluster season where they finished last, the FiberXers explored trade options but to no avail. Fortunately for them, help has arrived with the addition of Baltazar.
READ: Justine Baltazar feels international, MPBL stints make him ready for PBA
“We weren’t getting the trades we wanted. He just had it all. We didn’t want to name him because we were checking the other names but he’s here now.”
Baltazar and Ayo are no strangers to each other and they hope to pick up where they left off.
Back in 2016, Ayo and Baltazar won a UAAP championship with the La Salle Green Archers.
While Baltazar wasn’t used to his full potential back then, he now knows he can contribute more under Ayo at Converge.
“I was already with coach Aldin in the UAAP before. We won one championship. I already know his system so I’m excited to be with him again,” said Baltazar.