Converge selects Justine Baltazar as top pick in PBA Rookie Draft

Justine Baltazar is now a FiberXer. 

The 6-foot-9 big man was selected top overall pick by Converge during the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft on Sunday at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati. 

Baltazar is set to reunite with his former college coach and current Converge mentor Aldin Ayo eight years after they steered De La Salle University to the title of UAAP Season 79 in 2016. 

Baltazar has continued making a name for himself outside of the UAAP, leading his hometown province Pampanga to a championship in Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in 2023 while also copping the tournament and finals MVP plums. 

The 27-year-old bruised was supposed to apply in last year's draft but eventually withdrew his application. 

Now at converge, he will bolster a frontcourt that also features reigning Rookie of the Year Justin Arana as well as Jeo Ambohot and Patrick Maagdenberg as the FiberXers look to bounce back from back-to-back last place finishes in the past two conferences. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News