Here comes Baltazar

Tiu: He’s joining us as soon as possible

MANILA, Philippines — The Converge FiberXers are looking forward with excitement to top rookie pick Justine Baltazar finally coming on board to join their quest in the PBA.

Hot prospect Baltazar missed the entire Governors’ Cup and the initial salvo of the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup as he fulfilled his duties with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL first.

But after wrapping it up with a historic back-to-back championship for Pampanga and two straight Season MVPs and Finals MVPs for himself, the door is now open for his long-awaited PBA debut with Converge.

No specific timetable has been set but assistant coach Charles Tiu said Baltazar is expected in the fold “soon.”

“We expect him soon. I know he will take a rest then join us as soon as possible,” Tiu told The STAR yesterday.

Social media is abuzz about the possibility of the 6-foot-8 Baltazar even making his first appearance as early as this week after leading the Giant Lanterns to a finals series sweep of the Quezon Huskers, 65-61, last Saturday.

The former La Salle star posted averages of 15.56 points, 16 rebounds, 5.91 assists, 1.19 steals and blocks in a dominant farewell performance in the MPBL that augurs well as he transitions into the PBA.

At Converge, Baltazar is expected to form a potent twin tower with Justin Arana, who has been carrying much of the big man’s load while waiting for the highly-touted rookie.

Converge has won two of its first three games in the Commissioner’s Cup and is slated to play its next match on Thursday against NorthPort.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer, from a slip-up versus NLEX, has the chance to quickly pick itself up and restore order today but it has to do so with tough Rain or Shine (also at 1-1) standing in the way in the 7:30 p.m. tiff at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Eastern (3-1) seeks solo third as it faces winless Blackwater (0-2) in the 5 p.m. curtain raiser.

The Elasto Painters have shown their capability to bring down a powerhouse with an emphatic 99-81 toppling of guest team Hong Kong Eastern last Dec. 4.