Justin Baltazar entered the 2024 PBA season with immense expectations as the first overall pick of the draft and the reigning MPBL MVP. Dubbed the "GOAT of the MPBL" after leading Pampanga to consecutive championships, Baltazar was seen as a franchise-altering talent for the Converge FiberXers. However, his first two games in the league have been underwhelming, statistically speaking, leaving some fans questioning whether the hype was overblown.
In his debut, Baltazar recorded just 4 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, followed by 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in his second outing. These numbers fall far short of the dominant performances many expected from the highly-touted rookie.
Despite the lack of "monster numbers," Baltazar remains the same fundamentally sound player who dominated in the MPBL. His court vision, unselfish play, and defensive versatility were evident even in these quiet games. The issue appears to be more about acclimation than ability.
The jump from the MPBL to the PBA involves adjusting to a faster pace, tougher defenses, and more refined systems. Converge's system, under Coach Aldin Ayo, emphasizes ball movement and disciplined execution—something that takes time to master for any newcomer. Furthermore, building chemistry with new teammates is crucial, and Baltazar is still finding his rhythm alongside the likes of Jeron Teng, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Abu Tratter.
It's worth noting that even the PBA’s greatest players needed time to grow into their roles. **Junemar Fajardo**, widely regarded as the PBA’s GOAT, didn’t win Rookie of the Year in 2012 despite being the top overall pick. Fajardo struggled early in his career before evolving into a dominant force in the league. Similarly, Baltazar's current performance shouldn't define his potential.
For Converge fans, patience is key. Baltazar’s skill set—his rebounding, high basketball IQ, and ability to contribute across multiple areas—suggests he will eventually find his footing. As he becomes more comfortable with Converge's system and builds stronger on-court chemistry, his production is expected to improve.
Labeling Baltazar a "bust" after two games would be premature and unfair. The rookie is still adjusting to the league’s intensity, and history has shown that even top picks need time to reach their full potential. For now, fans should focus on the flashes of brilliance and trust that Baltazar’s talent will shine through as the season progresses.
Baltazar's story in the PBA has just begun, and there is plenty of time for him to prove why he was the top pick.
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