Converge FiberXers big man Justine Baltazar knows a lot is riding on his shoulders as one of the team’s main drivers—and, lucky for him, he has Juan Gomez de Liaño by his side.
Just a sophomore, the former MPBL MVP understands that he is among the players being counted upon to bring Converge to heights it has never before scaled. But rather than be cowed, the big man is embracing it fully.
“Ganda ng pinapakita ni Juan [Gomez de Liaño],” Baltazar told reporters after Converge notched its second win in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday with a 105‑103 escape act versus the Terrafirma Dyip. “Kailangan magtulungan kami ditong dalawa. Inaasahan din kasi kami dito sa team ng Converge.”
Last season’s top overall pick and this season’s second overall selection certainly did their part on Wednesday in towing the FiberXers to back‑to‑back wins. Baltazar finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds along with a game‑saving block down the stretch. JGDL, meanwhile, fired 19 points on top of 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
Gilas Call‑Up Emboldens Justine Baltazar
Importantly, Converge fans can expect Justine Baltazar to be an even greater force thanks to the confidence boost he got from his recent Gilas Pilipinas call‑up.
“Sa dinami‑dami ng players dito sa pro at gustong maglaro sa Gilas, e nakasama ako,” Baltazar acknowledged. “Sobrang thankful ako. Blessed ako na nakasama sa Gilas. Malaking opportunity sa akin ’yun na madadala ko dito [sa Converge].”
Not coincidentally, Converge head coach Delta Pineda shared that exact same sentiment after the FiberXers opened the PBA Governors’ Cup with a massive 105‑74 rout of the Macau Giant Pandas.
“Malaking bagay ’yung confidence na ibibigay nila sa team. ’Yung kumpiyansa nila doon sa na‑experience nila doon sa dalawang matinding laban against Australia and New Zealand,” Pineda said. “Malaking bagay ’yan para sa Team Converge.”
Two games in, that renewed confidence is showing in Justine Baltazar and JGDL. Converge ought to be thankful, too.
