Cone pinning hopes on big man Baltazar

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has high expectations for big man Justine Baltazar in next week’s third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier.

The Converge center, who is making his return to active duty for the national squad after five years, has big shoes to fill with Gilas missing the services of Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown in the road games against New Zealand and Australia.

Baltazar missed out in Gilas’ two home matches back in late February and early March — both ending in defeats — after getting cut in the final 12-man roster.

Now one of the welcome additions to the team, the 6-foot-9 Baltazar is expected to reinforce the Philippine squad’s frontline along with fellow new member Mike Phillips and Troy Rosario.

“We know him from the last window. We had him through the whole camp, and he impressed us then,” Cone said of Baltazar.

Cone believes Baltazar has that “high ceiling” to bring to the table.

His versatility is a valuable asset for the Gilas’ cause when it takes on the Tall Blacks on 3 July in Auckland and against the Boomers in Perth three days after.

“When we lost a couple of our bigs to Q and Kai, we looked around and tried to find someone who would be a versatile big that we could throw at different positions,” the decorated tactician said.

“And he’s a player with a high ceiling, and we’re hoping that he can play in that high ceiling.”

Baltazar last saw action for the then Tab Baldwin-coached Gilas back in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Pampanga and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia back in 2021.

“I thankful to have been given another invitations to play for Gilas. I’m still new during the last window but I’m there to support. Always ready to be there when needed,” Baltazar said.

“I’m just happy I got in the final 12.”

Gilas is currently in Brisbane, Australia for a four-day training camp before heading to New Zealand for a couple of tune-up matches against local clubs.

The Filipinos battle the Manawatu Jets on Sunday before taking on the Franklin Bulls on Tuesday.

Gilas and New Zealand carry identical 2-2 win-loss records in Group A. Australia is unbeaten in four games while Guam is listless in four starts.