Coming out of the winning National University Bullpups program, Justine Baltazar had been highly recruited. And in a collegiate field that is badly in need of a big man, the 6-foot-7 big man was pegged to have an immediate impact for the team he committed to.
But as the De La Salle University have Ben Mbala in the fold, Baltazar has played sparingly in his first two years in Taft Avenue.
In his rookie year, Baltazar played just a total of 140.5 minutes, while in this year, he has just logged in 57.7 minutes. But on Wednesday afternoon, he showed that he can deliver when need be.
“Sinasabi lang sa akin ni coach [Aldin Ayo] na mag-ready lang ako lagi para pag napagod si Ben, siyempre napapagod din si Ben, ready lang ako,” said the native of Pampanga.
Against the University of the East Red Warriors, Baltazar was unstoppable, going 6-for-6 from the field for 13 points in 13 minutes of game time. Moreover, he showed an added touch from downtown, knocking down a triple with 2:25 left in the game.
“Pina-practice ko palagi yung shooting ko,” he shared after DLSU’s 99-78 win. “Kailangan kasi para malito rin yung nagbabantay sa akin.”
And as he continues to work on his game, Baltazar is staying patient, knowing that his time will come to be the next anchor of the Green Archers.
“Gra-graduate din kasi si Ben kaya ayun, maghihintay ko lang.”
