JUSTINE Baltazar is eager to be mentored by Converge assistant coach and two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso, already known in developing several bigs in the league.
Baltazar said he has yet to receive the full Ildefonso treatment three games into his PBA career as Converge is giving him the leeway to take his time to fully recover from his grueling finals series with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL.
But Baltazar said he is already looking forward to work with Ildefonso that will definitely improve his game especially in the post.
READ: Converge makes it back-to-back wins at the expense of Phoenix
“Sobra, lalo sa poste,” said Baltazar.
“Sa ngayon, binibigyan pa niya ako ng recovery. Pag medyo nakakabawi na ako sa katawan ko, doon pa lang kami mage-extra extra. Nakita niyo naman, sunog ako sa ano eh. Ngayon, medyo nakakabawi na ako unti-unti."
While he is already being advised to get ready for the extra work, Baltazar said he is already being given a few pointers from Ildefonso in-game.
He is already thrilled to listen to what the 48-year-old mentor has to stay and will be sharing especially with how he was able to transform his Converge teammate Justin Arana.
“Sinasabihan ako ni coach Danny na maging ready lang ako para turuan niya ako,” said Baltazar.
“Malaking bagay talaga kasi magaling sa poste. Kita niyo naman ‘yung ginawa kay Justin Arana."
Right now, Baltazar said Ildefonso is advising him to concentrate on grabbing the boards, which he heeded on Thursday when he grabbed 13 rebounds – eight from the offensive end – in their 116-105 win over Phoenix on Thursday.
“Pero ‘yung tinuturo niya sa akin sa loob, kung ano man gagawin ko, kung hindi ka maka-shoot, bawi ka sa rebound. Kita niya ako na mabilis tumakbo, magilas ako sa loob. Bumabawi ako."
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