JUSTINE Baltazar as the No. 1 overall pick in the coming PBA Draft isn't necessarily cast in stone just yet if you ask Converge team officials right now.
Even with the announcement of Baltazar’s camp that he is set to join the PBA Draft, the FibrXers - at least for the moment - have not yet fully committed themselves into selecting the reigning MPBL MVP as the top choice.
To make it clear, it is not because there is still hesitation on Baltazar and what he can bring to the table, but more a matter of due diligence.
“Personally, I’m excited and happy for him,” said Converge team manager Jacob Lao on Friday after Baltazar’s decision to apply for the PBA Draft set on July 14. “I’ve known him for a while now and safe to say, I think we all know what Balti can do in the PBA.”
“But I don't think it changes anything on our end. The coaches and I have a lot of work to be done still because we have yet to see the final pool of players joining this year draft.”
Head coach Aldin Ayo also shared the same sentiment that his staff and team management will still need to meet to discuss who will be their guy.
But Ayo also admitted that Baltazar is definitely one of their primary targets.
“Balti has always been on our list and I’m sure even the other teams are interested. We will discuss with management and let’s see,” said Ayo.
By virtue of their 3-19 win-loss record in the 2023-24 season, the FiberXers obtained the right to select first in the PBA Season 49 draft.
Baltazar in line for Ayo reunion
Baltazar is expected to be the headliner of the draft with his credentials that include guiding the Pampanga Giant Lanterns to the MPBL crown during the 2023 season.
The 27-year-old will be feeling right at home once Converge selects him, as he will be reunited with Ayo, his coach during his college days with La Salle.
Converge also has Pampanga governor Dennis Pineda, Baltazar’s longtime adviser, as team official.
For now, though, Lao said the FibrXers are happy to have an opportunity to improve their roster with the right to pick first in the coming draft.
“Upper management and coaches have yet to discuss who we want to pick at No. 1 as of now, but there are a lot of good and talented players joining this draft, so we're just happy we get to pick first and select someone that can help our team be better in the succeeding seasons to come,” he said.
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