THERE’S no rest for the weary Justine Baltazar.
And he isn't complaining. He knows that’s part of his job as a professional basketball player and the realization of a childhood dream of playing in the PBA.
“Kailangan na ako dito sa team. Kaya ko pa naman, nakapagpahinga naman ako kahit mga ilang araw lang,” said Baltazar.
“Sobrang excited na ako na makapaglaro dito sa PBA,” Baltazar said. “Simula naglaro ako ng basketball, ito na ‘yung pinapangarap ko na makapaglaro sa PBA.
The 27-year-old Baltazar made his PBA debut on Thursday when Converge battled NorthPort in the Commissioner’s Cup, which was exactly just five days before he wrapped up his duties with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL.
READ: Justine Baltazar stays patient after rough PBA debut for Converge
There, Baltazar won the Giant Lanterns’ second straight MPBL crown, where he also captured the season and finals MVP.
As incentive for winning the MPBL crown, the Giant Lanterns will reportedly be rewarded with an all-expense trip to Las Vegas, something that the players will definitely remember for the rest of their lives.
READ: Trip to Vegas awaits Pampanga's back-to-back MPBL champions
'Balti,' however, isn’t sure whether he will also be incentivize with the trip to Vegas due to his busy schedule.
“Hindi ko alam kung makakasama ako kasi may PBA pa eh. Hindi na ako aasa siguro doon,” said Baltazar with a smile.
“Focus muna ako ngayon dito sa PBA,” said Baltazar, whose debut saw him finishing with five points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 20 minutes of action.
As he shifts his attention to his PBA career, Baltazar said all he can promise is to do anything that the Converge coaching staff wants in him to deliver the victories in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Magiging ready lang siguro ako. Kung ano man ang maitutulong ko sa team, ‘yun ang ibibigay ko. Ibibigay ko ‘yung best ko para sa team ko at para sa mga boss,” said Baltazar.
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