THE 2024 PBA Draft Class just got its headliner.
This after the camp of Justine Baltazar revealed that the agile Pampanga slotman will be joining the PBA Rookie Draft set next month.
Pampanga’s sports director Allan Trinidad, who helped mold players like Baltazar and other PBA stars like Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva and Arwind Santos, confirmed the decision with the blessings of Governor Dennis 'Delta' Pineda.
“Magpapa-draft na si Justin,” said Trinidad with a smile.
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The development means the 2024-25 Draft Class will have its biggest name in Baltazar, an athletic 6-7 big man who won a championship at La Salle and turned heads during his time with Gilas Pilipinas under Tab Baldwin.
Baltazar, in fact, was supposed to be among the jewels of last season's draft but chose to stay one more season with Pampanga in the MPBL, where he lead the Giant Lanterns to a maiden championship.
Trinidad said Baltazar’s decision to finally join the PBA draft was both tactical and logical.
“Ang draft kasi is an opportunity to improve a team. And 'yan ang paraan para yung mga independent teams o yung mga laging nasa ibaba ng team standings eh mag-improve,” the former San Sebastian coach said.
“Very timely din yung ilang taong pag-delay ni Justin na maglaro sa PBA kasi kailangan pa namin siya sa Pampanga. Nag-champion pa kami for the first time sa MPBL di ba?” he added.
It will be recalled that initially fans had apprehensions about Baltazar's growth being stunted by his prolonged stint in the MPBL. Trinidad was quick to ease those fears.
“Hindi naman maapektuhan laro ni Justin kasi lagi naman siya exposed sa mga laro, nag-international pa nga siya nung February sa Dubai di ba?” said Trinidad.
“At sakaling bumaba ang laro ni Justin gaya nung sinasabi ng iba kasi nagtagal siya sa MPBL, problem na 'yun ng team na magda-draft sa kanya. Pero ako tiwala ako sa talent ng bata. Teenager pa lang yan, hawak na namin ni Gov yan,” he said.
“Saka hindi mo maituturo ang height na 6-7 tapos maliksi at may shooting sa labas,” he said.
'Walang reklamo ang bata'
Whichever team will tab Baltazar in the coming draft, Trinidad believes he can contribute well.
“Kahit anong team ang kumuha sa kanya, makakatulong si Justin. Kasi he can play starter, pwede siya maging main man, pwede rin siya maging domestic o role player lang. Nakita nyo naman sa Gilas at sa iba pang teams na naglaro sa mga international tournaments. Walang reklamo yung bata,” he said.
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