CONVERGE endured a woeful PBA 48th season, winning just three games in two conferences against 19 losses.
The FiberXers’ fate could change in a heartbeat if and when they tab prized center Justine Baltazar in this year’s rookie Draft.
The 6-foot-9 Baltazar, a former La Salle standout and Gilas Pilipinas national team training pool member, is reportedly set to join the annual proceedings slated July 14 at a venue still to be announced by the pro league.
Converge coach Aldin Ayo could not be reached for comment yesterday on who they would likely pick with the No. 1 selection.
Ayo and Baltazar won a title together with the Green Archers in the UAAP in 2016.
Baltazar initially applied for the Draft in 2022 but pulled out at the last minute and instead signed with Hiroshima in the Japan B.League.
The Mabalacat, Pampanga native’s stint with the Dragonflies came to an abrupt end in late 2022 after he played in just eight matches, winding up with only two points, one rebound, one assist, and a steal in 13 minutes and 36 seconds
Baltazar, 27, was also due to play for Samsung in the Korean Basketball League early last year but committed to play for Strong Group in the 32nd Dubai International Championship.
The KBL’s disciplinary committee deemed Baltazar acted in “bad faith” that resulted in a two-year ban, but Baltazar said he tried to obtain the documents for him to gain a working visa for Korea.
He returned to the country and is seeing action with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL, leading the fancied squad of coach and Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda to its maiden crown in the regional league. Baltazar was named season and finals MVP.
Pineda is Baltazar’s long-time backer and adviser who Converge tried to name as governor in the board.
The PBA thumbed down the Dennis Anthony Uy-owned ballclub’s bid to have Pineda gain a seat in its powerful decision-making body.
Baltazar averaged 12.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block for La Salle in his swan song where he was named to the Mythical Team two years ago.
The likes of Evan Nelle, CJ Cansino, Fil-Ams Caelan Tiongson and Ben Philips, Francis Escandor, DJ Mitchell, Calvin Payawal, CJ Catapusan, and Paul Garcia make up the initial list of rookie hopefuls.
Applicants have until this Thursday to submit their application for the Draft.
