PBA: Converge eyeing better times ahead with top draft pick Baltazar

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

Justine Baltazar understands the pressure of being the man trusted to take Converge to the next level.

But Baltazar, who as expected was selected by the FiberXers No. 1 overall in the PBA Draft on Sunday, is making sure he’ll be ready to take on the new challenge of not only turning the franchise around but also facing off with the league’s top stars.

“I don’t want to let pressure get into me and make sure that I can do my role efficiently,” Baltazar said after being the first name called in the late afternoon, early-evening proceedings at Glorietta 4 Activity Center in Makati City.

The selection of Baltazar was no surprise despite the entry of other fancied prospects in the annual draft that lasted six rounds and 48 out of 67 applicants being taken.

Coach Aldin Ayo, who had earlier hinted of his pick with the team’s need for size and versatility, felt that Baltazar is the guy that fits the FiberXers’ need.

“He has everything we want,” Ayo said. “I know he’s a winner and I know he’s going to do whatever it takes to make the team win.”

But it may take time before Baltazar gets to suit up in the country’s big league with the onetime Gilas Pilipinas mainstay and La Salle product still committed to play for Pampanga in the ongoing MPBL season.

Converge, however, is willing to wait.

“We’ll be patient,” said the Converge mentor.

No surprise at No. 2

Once he makes his FiberXers debut, Baltazar is keen on holding his own against the likes of June Mar Fajardo, Christian Standhardinger and other frontcourt players who’ll serve as stern tests for the 27-year-old.

“I’ll just prepare myself because facing someone like June Mar who is a seven-time MVP is no joke,” Baltazar said.

There was also no surprise as to who went No. 2 as Blackwater took Fil-American guard Sedrick Barefield, who was also considered as a potential top pick had Converge decided to make a U-turn.

Then Barangay Ginebra snagged RJ Abarrientos at at No. 3, which was reminiscent of what coach Tim Cone, then coaching Alaska, did when he made RJ’s uncle Johnny the third overall choice 31 years ago. The young Abarrientos is the product of a stunning swap of players and picks with Terrafirma on the eve of the draft.

Cone is hoping for a repeat with the third-generation Abarrientos, who will partner with new acquisition Stephen Holt in a now-younger Gin Kings backcourt.

Ateneo’s Kai Ballungay went No. 4 with Phoenix, NorthPort took Dave Ildefonso at No. 5 and NLEX selected La Salle’s Jonnel Policarpio at No. 6.

Caelan Tiongson’s drop in terms of draft stock allowed Rain or Shine to nab him at No. 7 before the same team grabbed a virtual unknown in Fil-Swedish Felix Lemetti.

Magnolia grabbed Adamson’s Jerom Lastimosa, Terrafirma landed Mark Nonoy of La Salle, Meralco picked University of the Philippines’ CJ Cansino and San Miguel Beer drafted Fil-Canadian Avan Nava to conclude the first round. INQ