Delta Pineda clears air on how early – or late – Baltazar can make his PBA debut

PHOTO: PBA IMAGES

JUSTINE Baltazar’s PBA debut will have to wait a little longer after Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda said the No. 1 overall pick in Sunday’s draft will have to first finish his contract with the Giant Lanterns in the MPBL,

It was what observers have feared when Baltazar, 27, entered the draft that his availability to play immediately at the start of the 49th PBA season will depend on the decision of Pineda, owner of the Pampanga team, which currently is contending for the MPBL championship.

Pineda confirmed that Baltazar, picked by Converge, still has a live contract with the Giant Lanterns till the end of the MPBL season, although he admitted there is still a chance that the No. 1 pick can join Converge early.

“Komporme sa sitwasyon,” said Pineda, the deal being that if Pampanga stays in contention, Baltazar may have to continue playing for the Lanterns. He also explained that if his team will in the coming months not contend for the title or enter the playoffs, the situation may change.

“Pero right now, obligado muna siya maglaro with Pampanga Lanterns,” said Pineda.

With the Giant Lanterns fighting for the title, many believe it is unlikely that the 6-foot-9 Baltazar will get an early release. The current MPBL season ends in December and it is projected that will be the time that Baltazar will be able to join his PBA team.

PHOTO BY: IVY FERRER

“Kapag sinuwerte, tuloy [sa MPBL]. Kapag hindi, start na rito (sa PBA),” said Pineda.

Pineda noted the importance of Baltazar leaving a legacy with Kapampangans before joining the PBA.

“Ilang taon sinuportahan ng Kapampangan si Balti. Kailangan niya ibigay pa rin ‘yung obligasyon niya for the Kampampangan,” said Pineda.

At the same time, Pineda said Baltazar is leading the MVP race which he also won last season.

“Maganda ang tsansa niya na No. 1 siya,” Pineda said. “Hoping na pumasok sa playoff. Tuloy-tuloy lang ‘yung gawain niya.”

Pineda was on hand during the PBA Draft at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati where he witnessed Baltazar being picked by Converge. The Pampanga governor, it is to be noted, is also a high-ranking official of the FiberXers.

Pineda so proud of Baltazar

Pineda said Baltazar being picked first in the draft is also a reflection of the success of the basketball program that he continues to initiate as owner of the Pampanga team.

“Masaya,” said Pineda of the draft result. “Any team naman can pick Balti. Ang kinakasaya ko kasi, ang pangarap ko na from start nung bata, isang ulilang lubos, ngayon ay nadala ko na naman dito (in the PBA). First round, first pick pa.

“‘Yun ‘yung saya ko. Any team can pick Balti pero ‘yung makita ko ‘yung achievement ng bata, ‘yun ang masaya para sa akin,” said Pineda.