Baltazar shines under Ildefonso’s guidance

Converge rookie Justine Baltazar is slowly unleashing his full potential, thanks to the guidance of one of the best forwards ever to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The top overall pick in the last Draft credited his improvement to the extra work he has been doing with FiberXers assistant coach and member of the league’s 40 Greatest Players Danny Ildefonso during practice.

“What coach Danny teaches me helps me a lot. I’m grateful for his guidance,” the 6-foot-9 big man said.

He got to show off his refined game in Converge’s 110-94 domination of Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Christmas Day playdate at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The De La Salle University product came up with his best scoring game so far in his first tournament with the franchise after finishing with 16 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting from the field.

His point production was way above his average of a measly 5.25 markers per game in his first four games with the squad.

“He (Ildefonso) told me that our coaches trust me. I get a lot of playing time. So, I need to double my effort in training. Work on my shooting, and my post-up game so that I could apply it during games,” Baltazar said of the pep talk he received from the 1998 No. 1 Draft pick.

Baltazar, a two-time Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Most Valuable Player, also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out four assists with one steal while committing only one turnover in 30 and a half minutes of playing time.

“My coaches and teammates are giving me a chance to play my game. I just gave my best, and I played better. I’m grateful for their trust,” the 27-year-old big man said.

“I just wanted to repay the trust given by my coaches. What they saw (in the past games) was not the real Balti. So, I really put in the work. I try to play my best whenever I’m inside,” he added.

The Mabalacat, Pampanga native’s improved play contributed to the FiberXers hot four-game winning streak to close the year.

Converge is on track to advance into the playoffs with an impressive 6-2 win-loss record tied with guest team Hong Kong Eastern.

Baltazar hopes that with continued teaching from the three-time PBA MVP Ildefonso, he’ll be able to provide a bigger impact for the FiberXers.