Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 18) – Gilas Pilipinas big man Justine Baltazar is slowly accepting his new role in the system implemented by veteran international coach Tab Baldwin.
From being the man in the post, the 6-foot-9 slotman from Pampanga has been assigned to be a wing player for the young Gilas squad.
In their 76-51 win against Indonesia on Friday, Baltazar showed his newfound offensive abilities of driving to the basket and shooting two outside shots to lead the team in scoring with 11 points.
“Matagal ko na kasi ‘tong pinractice. Sabi ng coach namin na kaya ko namang maging wing. So kailangan kong trabahuin para pagpasok sa court medyo mataas ang mga height natin sa kanila,” Baltazar said during the post-match press conference.
[Translation: I have been practicing to be a small forward. My coach said I can do it. So I need to work hard so that when I enter the court, we will have a height advantage in the three spot.]
Baldwin praised Baltazar’s progression into a vital wing player for Gilas as the veteran mentor noted the 24-year-old cager’s great offensive mindset.
The Gilas head coach added they still need to work on Baltazar’s defensive skills, especially in defending quicker Asian guards in the international game.
“I think this is a process that takes time but I don’t see any problems for him. He’s a smart and tough player. He’s gonna bulk up some more and get physically stronger. That’s gonna present real problems for other teams,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin said he believes Baltazar will become a threat especially when opportunity strikes that Gilas will face European squads.
In the five games of Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, Baltazar played for four with an average of 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds. He was part of the Jong Uichico-mentored Gilas squad that swept Thailand in the tournament’s second window last November in Manama, Bahrain.
