Baltazar looks forward to learning from Howard, Blatche with Strong Group

MANILA, Philippines – Justine Baltazar is relishing the opportunity to play with former NBA big men Dwight Howard and Andray Blatche for Strong Group Athletics.

The 6-foot-9 Baltazar, who is currently playing for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL, is bringing size and versatility for the Philippine side in the upcoming Dubai International Basketball Championships.

He will bolster the frontline along with Howard, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and one-time champion, and Blatche, who played for Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player.

Baltazar said that playing with the NBA-quality bigs is a “big help” for his basketball career.

“It is a big help, because they are NBA players. They are smart players, and I have to learn a lot from them,” the former La Salle Green Archer told reporters in Filipino.

“And then, I can ask them for pieces of advice because I am also a big man, like them,” he added.

So far, Baltazar said he has learned more about post defense and other things big men do from Howard and Blatche.

And, he voiced excitement on learning more as time goes by.

The defensive-minded big man also said that it “feels good” to play with the NBA players.

Aside from Howard and Blatche, the team also has former Oklahoma City Thunder defensive specialist Andre Roberson.

“It is great to play for the Strong Group once again, because I am playing with NBA players here. I can bring this wherever I go,” he said.

The Dubai tourney will be from January 19-28.