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Tag: Justine Baltazar

  • Tim Cone backs Justine Baltazar’s untapped potential as big man earns Gilas recall 

    Tim Cone backs Justine Baltazar’s untapped potential as big man earns Gilas recall 

    For years, Justine Baltazar’s national team journey has largely been defined by potential. This time, however, the versatile big man enters the Gilas Pilipinas setup with something more tangible, the trust of the coaching staff.


    Baltazar’s inclusion in the Final 12 for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers third window is more than just a roster move. 

     

    It is a reward for the impression he left behind months earlier, when he joined the national team’s training camp for Window 2 despite not making the final lineup.

     

    Gilas head coach Tim Cone and the rest of the coaching staff saw enough in Baltazar’s game to keep him firmly on their radar. 

     

    His ability to contribute in multiple facets, whether as a rebounder, passer, defender, or floor-spacer, stood out in a team constantly searching for adaptable pieces.

     

    “He’s a player with a high ceiling, and we’re hoping that he can play at that high ceiling,” Cone said.

     

    That confidence became even more significant when Gilas had to adjust its roster for the June 29 to July 6 competitions. With key frontcourt players Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown unavailable, the coaching staff turned to a familiar candidate rather than exploring new options.

     

    For Cone, the decision was straightforward.

     

    “Balti, Justine, we know him from the last window. We had him through the whole camp, and he impressed us there,” the veteran and multi-awarded coach said.

     

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    The selection marks Baltazar’s first appearance for the national team since the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, ending a lengthy absence from Gilas duty. 

     

    Yet despite the praise coming from one of the country’s most accomplished coaches, the 29-year-old remains grounded.

     

    Instead of focusing on expectations, Baltazar is approaching the opportunity as a learner eager to fit into the program’s current culture and system.

     

    “Nagpapasalamat ako sa pag-invite uli sa akin. Noong last game nila, kumbaga baguhan pa lang ako, pero andun pa rin ako sumusuporta and always ready lang talaga ako. Malaking pasalamat ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12,” he said.

     

    His return also reflects Gilas’ ongoing effort to deepen its player pool ahead of major international competitions. With established veterans and emerging stars sharing the roster, Baltazar has an opportunity to carve out a unique role through the versatility that first caught the coaches’ attention.

     

    Joining Baltazar in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

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  • Justine Baltazar grateful to contribute to Gilas 

    Justine Baltazar grateful to contribute to Gilas 

    Four years have passed since Justine Baltazar last donned the Gilas Pilipinas jersey, but the 6-foot-9 Kapampangan has used that time to evolve from a promising college standout into a dominant force in the PBA. 

     

    At his young age, 29, he became a top pick in the league’s draft and part of Converge FiberXers establishing himself as one of the premier centers in local basketball.

     

    Baltazar’s return to Gilas Pilipinas came as a surprise. When Quentin Millora-Brown encountered a contract impasse with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

     

    Head coach Tim Cone chose to look within the pool and called on Baltazar to reinforce the frontline, providing the size and inner presence the team might need should other big men become unavailable.

     

    The two-time MPBL MVP said that he did not hesitate, “Hindi na ako nagdalawang-isip. Nagpaalam ako sa boss ko na gusto kong makapag-training ulit dito sa Gilas. ‘Yun naman, pinayagan ako ng management at boss namin sa Converge.”

     

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    Despite years apart, the bond with his Gilas batchmates from 2021 remains intact. 

     

    “Kita mo naman na magkakalaban kami sa PBA, pero yung samahan namin dati, nandito pa rin,” Baltazar said.

     

    With Gilas preparing to host New Zealand on Thursday and Australia on Sunday in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Baltazar knows that size and presence in the paint will be critical.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas heads into this window unbeaten in Group A, carrying a 2-0 record after completing a sweep of Guam late last year.

     

    Yet, his focus remains on contribution rather than roster guarantees. “No. 1 dun role ko, gagawin ko role ko. No. 2 depensa kasi marami scorers dito. Pag pinalad ako bibigay ko 100 percent ko talaga,” he said, reflecting a mindset shaped by years of professional growth and national team experience.

     

    Baltazar’s return is more than a personal comeback — it’s a reminder that dedication, growth, and patience can open doors back to the international stage. 

     

    As Gilas faces some of the toughest opponents, the towering center is ready to bring both his skill and his team-first mentality to the floor.

     

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  • Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is fast approaching, and Gilas Pilipinas aims to build on an impressive start as it continues its quest for a place in the tournament proper.

     

    The Philippines opened its Group A campaign in dominant fashion during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten. But the road only gets tougher from here. Awaiting Gilas in the next set of fixtures are Oceania heavyweights — the Australia national basketball team and the New Zealand national basketball team — two programs with size, depth, and international pedigree.

     

    Among the players looking to make a significant impact is center Justine Baltazar, who has rejoined the national team after a three-year absence. The 29-year-old big man was added to bolster Gilas’ interior presence, and head coach Tim Cone believes Baltazar’s size and versatility could provide a valuable boost.

     

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    “He has great size, he has great talent, he has great versatility. That is exactly what we are looking for in the national team — the ability to be a player that can do various things,” Cone said during an appearance on Power & Play. “He can step out, he can step in, he can take on a mismatch, he can block shots around the basket, he’s a dynamic rebounder. He just has a lot of versatility, so that’s what we are looking for.”

    Cone acknowledged that Baltazar is still adjusting to the national team’s system, particularly on the defensive end, but expressed confidence that the learning curve will be temporary.

     

    “The only thing he lacks — just like with Juan Gomez de Liano in our last window — is the depth of knowledge in terms of our system,” Cone explained. “Offensively, but even more so defensively, that’s really his only weakness point.

     

    “So once he gets that idea, he is going to be an extremely important piece. This is a great training ground for him right now, this window and going forward. He’s been playing well and he’s excited — you can see it in the way he practices.

     

    “He’s not afraid. He goes up against everybody. He’s not afraid to guard Justin Brownlee. He’s not afraid to go up against June Mar Fajardo or AJ Edu. He’s his own man — he’s really impressive.”

     

    Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand on Thursday, February 28, before facing Australia on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly shape the trajectory of its qualification campaign.

     

    With heightened competition, key roster adjustments, and national pride on the line, the Philippines will need poise, execution, and leadership to protect its unbeaten record and strengthen its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

     

     

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