Converge has eyes glued to Baltazar

MANILA, Philippines — Though Converge is keeping its cards close to its chest, FiberXers coach Aldin Ayo has given a hint on their No. 1 pick in the PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft today.

“Probably, we are going to look for a player who is versatile enough na makapuno sa pagkukulang namin, especially sa depensa. Butas namin talaga big, kulang kami sa malaki and at the same time, firepower, kulang kami sa offense,” Ayo said.

“Sino man ‘yun, ‘yun ang dedesisyunan ng management at coaching staff.”

He could be referring to Justine Baltazar, a two-way player who stands 6-foot-7, as Converge’s possible choice.

Baltazar, who has been churning big numbers in the MPBL, has a built-in connection with Ayo, his coach at La Salle in the UAAP, and Gov. Dennis Pineda, his coach at Pampanga, who has strong affiliation with Converge.

But don’t totally dismiss the possibility of the FiberXers going in another route, though. Not with a marquee guard like Fil-Am Sedrick Barefield, a G-League veteran, in the mix. 

Then there are other good options like Kai Ballungay, RJ Abarrientos, Draft Combine MVP Jonnel Policarpio, Dave Ildefonso, CJ Cansino, Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy, Caelan Tiongson, and Jerom Lastimosa as well.

“Mahirap kasi mapapaisip ka, eh. May mga players na nasa pool na pwede mong gawing foundation ng program, eh. May mga players dito na for five to seven years magiging competitive ang program mo as long as you keep them,” said Ayo.

Whoever Converge chooses will be known in the proceedings at the Glorietta Activity Center starting at 4 p.m.

After the FiberXers, the Blackwater Bossing picks at No. 2 overall from among the 70-strong aspirants pool.

As part of the Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle for Stephen Holt and Isaac Go trade with Terrafirma that’s consummated yesterday, Ginebra now owns the third pick.

Phoenix follows at No. 4, then NorthPort, NLEX, Rain or Shine with back-to-back turns at seventh and eighth, Magnolia and the Dyip in Ginebra’s original slot at 10th. Reigning Philippine Cup titlist Meralco and Commissioner’s Cup kingpin San Miguel round out the first round selections.

ROS and Converge have three picks each in the second round.