The De La Salle University Green Archers scored a coup during the off-season after 19 year old Justine Baltazar made his commitment to join the school.
Though slotted behind Cameroonian student-athlete Ben Mbala and Filipino-American Abu Tratter, the UAAP Season 78 Juniors Finals MVP joins an impressive recruiting haul by the Green Archers. Together with Aljun Melecio and Ricci Rivero, the troika will form the core that will lead the Taft Avenue-based squad after Jeron Teng and Mbala have graduated from the collegiate ranks.
Wednesday afternoon, the La Salle faithful caught a glimpse of what the 6’7″ big man will bring to the table.
Though his offensive skills still needs polishing, Baltazar was a towering presence. The Pampanga-native collected eights rebounds, six coming from the offensive end, and had five blocks in just 12 minutes of action against the UST Growling Tigers.
First year La Salle head coach Aldin Ayo spoke highly about his rookie’s work ethic that is slowly translating into UAAP minutes.
“Kung makikita niyo si Justine maglaro sa ensayo, malayo talaga,” Ayo shared about Baltazar after La Salle’s 100-62 demolishing of UST. “Sinasabi ko lang sa kanya, be natural. Just play your game.”
“Magaling talaga yung bata.”
“Both ends of the floor, iniiba niya mga tira ng mga kalaban,” he furthered. “During practice, bihira magmintis sa floater niya.”
Upon hearing this, Baltazar then shared the positives of being able to practice, to talk, and to play with topflight big men like Mbala and Tratter.
“Sa practice pa lang against Ben, nahahasa na ako sa kanya. Grabe talaga ‘yung big man na yun,” he shared. “Nag-iimprove ako kasi dinedepensahan ko si Mbala na malakas talaga.”
“Nakukuha ko ang kumpyansa sa kanya.”
Ayo then shared that the young big man will be a huge part in La Salle’s quest to bring back the crown to Taft Avenue.
“Although he’s a rookie, he’ll play a big role dito sa campaign namin.”
Three games in, Baltazar believes that he has already adjusted himself to the collegiate game.
“Lumalabas na yung laro ko talaga,” he closed.
