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COACH Derrick Pumaren expects great things from Justine Baltazar as La Salle’s center takes on the task of handling the paint for Gilas Pilipinas in the November window of the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers.
“If he is going to be the main player (for Gilas in the center), I think he can step on the plate and face the challenge. He can defend himself against the greats of other countries,” said the veteran. the mentor told Spin.ph.
Baltazar is undoubtedly the best center in today’s college ranks.
Inheriting the mantle of two-time UAAP MVP Ben Mbala, Kapampangan’s 6-foot-8-inch big man has anchored the Green Archers’ frontcourt for the past two UAAP seasons and earned his place in the Mythical Team.
He continued his onslaught as part of the Pampanga Delta in the National Basketball League (NBL).
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Gilas has repeatedly extended invitations to Baltazar to be part of the group in the past, but it was only this time that he accepted the call and presented himself as a legitimate option on bass.
Surely, the national team can only benefit from this partnership, as Baltazar is ready to pair up with his fellow greats Isaac Go and Kemark Carino.
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“I think this will be good for Balti as far as experience is concerned. This experience will improve his game in the future,” Pumaren said of Gilas’ run for Baltazar, optimistic that the 23-year-old can make his mark on the National selection. team.
“I just told him to do his best in every game and I know he will, learn from this and be a better player after this season.”
