Converge picks Justine Baltazar No 1 in PBA Season 49 draft

Updated Mon, July 15, 2024 at 10:28 AM Published Sun, July 14, 2024 at 12:20 AM

Converge selected Justine Baltazar as the No. 1 overall pick in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft held on Sunday, July 14.

Coach Aldin Ayo described Baltazar as a versatile big man with winning capabilities, perfectly fitting the team's needs.

Baltazar, who stands 6-foot-7, brings skills and a winning mentality to the FiberXers, aiming to improve their previous last-place finish.

He previously won a UAAP championship with Ayo at De La Salle University and is excited for their reunion.

However, Baltazar is likely to finish his existing contract in the MPBL with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, potentially extending to December if they win the championship.

This means Baltazar would miss the import-flavored Governors' Cup, the first conference of the upcoming PBA season.

Blackwater selected Filipino-American guard Sedrick Barefield with the second overall pick, and Barangay Ginebra acquired RJ Abarrientos third.

The FiberXers also acquired several key bench pieces in other picks like Pao Javillonar, Ben Phillips, Jason Credo, and Ronan Santos.

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PBA UAAP Barangay Ginebra San Miguel De La Salle University Converge Blackwater Bossing Converge FiberXers RJ Abarrientos

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