As the PBA Draft was taking place at Robinsons Place Manila, Justine Baltazar had just played his first professional game albeit in a different league.
Baltazar made his return to Pampanga on Sunday when the defending two-time National Basketball League-Pilipinas champions took on DF Bulacan at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
However, his pro debut was spoiled as the Delta lost to the Republicans, 83-97.
Baltazar, a three-time UAAP Mythical Team member, checked in midway through the first quarter and immediately made an impact for the Delta.
However, his presence was not enough to rally Pampanga back from a lead that went to as high as 16 points.
Baltazar ended up with a line of 21 points on 10-of-20 shooting from the field with 15 rebounds, three steals, and a block.
The 6-foot-7 Kabalen withdrew from the draft last Thursday as he is bound to sign with a B.League team.
This also marks Baltazar’s return to the Delta, a team he played for during the third season of the league.
Earnest Reyes led Bulacan’s balanced attack with 20 points and 19 rebounds while Marlon Monte tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Bulacan went up to 8-1 while dropping Pampanga to 6-3.
