JUSTINE Baltazar only has one more year left in his collegiate career at La Salle.
But even before he graduates, he's already making sure that the Green Archers' frontline will be secure in the years to come.
New La Salle recruit Kevin Quiambao bared to The Prospects Pod that the fifth-year Green Archers center has been very helpful since he made his commitment to Taft.
"Nagkakausap na kami," the 19-year-old center shared of his senior at La Salle, who is set to play his final year this UAAP Season 83.
Quiambao's interactions with Baltazar have only been limited to online conversations no thanks to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Yet it didn't stop the two from forming a bond.
After all, they have their similarities.
Like the 6-foot-8 Quiambao, the 6-foot-7 Baltazar steered National University-Nazareth School to two UAAP crowns, including in UAAP Season 78 where the Kapampangan banger was named the Finals MVP.
Both also earned call-ups to the national team.
Quiambao represented the country in the 2019 Fiba 3x3 Under-18 Asia Cup, while Baltazar was shortlisted in the revamped Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.
It's not really difficult to see why Baltazar has taken the initiative to be Quiambao's mentor even though they won't get a chance to play side-by-side for the green-and-white.
"Willing naman siya na tulungan ako kung ano yung mga kulang ko. Hanggang ngayon, naguusap pa rin kami," said the Muntinlupa-born bruiser, who will make his debut for the Green Archers come UAAP Season 84.
"Idol ko siya at gusto kong sundan yung yapak niya."
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