JUSTINE Baltazar will be up for his litmus test on Friday as he is expected to go one-on-one with June Mar Fajardo in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup.
The FiberXers clash with the Beermen on Friday, 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo featuring a key match-up in the middle between Baltazar and Fajardo.
'Balti' is in his rookie year with Converge, but has already made a name for himself prior to his entry in the PBA being the two-time MVP in the MPBL.
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On Friday, Baltazar, the No. 1 pick in the Season 49 Draft, will be up against the best of the best as he is in line for a match-up against Fajardo, who has collected eight PBA MVP crowns over the years.
The 27-year-old Baltazar is looking forward to the match-up.
“Maging ready lang siguro ako,” said Baltazar. “Alam naman natin si June Mar kung gaano ka-dominante sa ilalim.”
Baltazar is coming off a double-double in Converge’s 127-109 win over Blackwater when he had 20 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks as his game continues to mature with more games in the PBA.
“Kung ano man ang game plan ng mga coaches, pagtatrabahuan namin, paghahandaan namin,” said Baltazar.
The good thing about Converge is that they have the personnel to be able to give Fajardo different looks on defense.
Converge import Cheick Diallo could also get the role of defending Fajardo with his 6-foot-8 frame, and his ability to dominate the paint.
In past conferences, Justin Arana has been tasked to do the job of guarding Fajardo, but his status remains uncertain after hyperextending his left knee during Converge’s win over Blackwater last Sunday.
“We would prepare our very best, with or without Justin, but hopefully, with Arana there,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza.
“Confident naman kami sa ibang guys. Always the next man up. We would prepare hard for that. Hopefully, we take care of them. Kung papalarin na maka-twice-to-beat, we would welcome that. We would want that.”
The match is crucial for both squads.
Converge, at 8-3 in joint first place with NorthPort, is eyeing one of the two twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinals.
San Miguel, meanwhile, is in a tie with Magnolia and NLEX at eighth with 4-6, and is looking to avoid missing out on the Top Eight.
Baltazar said: “San Miguel ‘yung makakalaban namin. Kailangan maganda ‘yung ipakita namin. Kaya nung nagamit ako nung fourth quarter (dahil wala si Justin vs. Blackwater), nabigyan ako ng chance na makapaglaro, binigay ko lang ‘yung best ko.”
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