FROM Justine to Justin.
Justine Baltazar looks forward to forming a dynamic frontcourt duo with Justin Arana at Converge.
The top rookie pick of PBA Season 49 said he's thrilled to play alongside the 6-foot-7 Arana as he adds ceiling to a FiberXers side that was lacking in size last year.
READ As expected, Baltazar-Barefield go 1-2 in PBA Season 49 Draft
Baltazar was officially measured at 6-foot-6 and one of the tallest among the 67 draft applicants.
“Sobrang saya ko na makakampi ko s Justin kasi nakakalaban ko lang dati yan sa UST,” said Baltazar, who won a UAAP men’s basketball championship with La Salle.
“Excited ako na makasama siya ulit. And then para makatulong din ako kasi last year talaga wala siyang katulong.”
The FiberXers limped home last year with a combined 3-19 win-loss record and dead-last among the 12 teams, handing them the No. 1 overall pick this season.
Arana, the Rookie of the Year in Season 47, emerged as the team’s best player last season by averaging 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds.
Baltazar can’t wait to be the help that Arana needs down low.
“Siguro huwag muna akong ma-pressure and gagampanan ko lang yung role ko as a big man, kung ano yung maitutulong ko sa team,” said the native of Mabalacat, Pampanga, who is also reunited with college coach Aldin Ayo at Converge.
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