Justine Baltazar picked first overall by Converge in PBA Draft

Justine Baltazar picked first overall by Converge in PBA Draft

/ 04:50 PM July 14, 2024

Justine Baltazar 2024 PBA Season 49 Draft first overall pick Converge FiberXers

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.

Article continues after this advertisement

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.

FEATURED STORIES

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.

Article continues after this advertisement

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.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: justine baltazar, PBA Draft

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.