CONVERGE made everything official with top rookie Justine Baltazar by signing him to his first-ever PBA contract.
The season’s No. 1 overall draft pick inked a one-year max deal with the FiberXers a day before he makes his long-awaited debut for the rising franchise.
No less than owner Dennis Uy welcomed the prized big man to the team as he personally witnessed the signing of the 27-year-old native of Mabalacat, Pampanga and two-time MVP of the MPBL.
READ Baltazar stirs excitement, raises confidence in first Converge practice
Uy was accompanied by alternate governor CK Canapi-Daniolco and Converge HR executive Erwin Dotimas.
Team governor Archen Cayabyab said Baltazar opted for just a one-year contract on the request of his father.
But he doesn’t see any problem on Baltazar signing a longer deal immediately after the initial one.
“Wala namang problema in terms of negotiating with Balti,” said Cayabyab, hinting about Baltazar’s close association with Pampanga Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda, who is officially listed as one of the team managers of Converge.
Cayabyab said Balti is ready to suit up in his first game in Asia’s oldest professional league on Thursday when Converge takes on unbeaten leader Northport at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Ready to go daw siya,” said the Converge official quoting Baltazar.
The rangy center-power forward is coming off a rousing campaign in the MPBL where he steered the Pampanga Giant Lanterns – under coach Pineda – to a back-to-back championship.
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