It's his time to shine.
With Ben Mbala around for the past couple of seasons, Justine Baltazar was content to settle for limited minutes.
But with the Cameroon international taking his talents to the pro ranks overseas, as well as for his national team, coupled with an injury to their prized recruit Taane Samuel, the former Juniors Finals MVP has stepped up and taken his portion of the spotlight, helping La Salle secure two wins this week.
On Wednesday, he netted seventeen points and twelve rebounds in just under 27 minutes against National University. His jumper with 28 seconds left broke a 76-all tie against the Bulldogs, with the Green Archers eventually securing an 80-76 win.
Then on Sunday, he netted sixteen points, fourteen rebounds, and three blocks in La Salle's 82-72 victory over UE.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as Justine beat out teammate Aljun Melecio, Jerrick Ahanmisi of Adamson, and Prince Orizu of Far Eastern University for the Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week nod from the UAAP Press Corps.
Justine shared to the media after their game against the Red Warriors, "Trabaho lang kami sa training, at saka sa game." He added, "Sabi ni coach, huwag kaming mag-relax kahit UE kalaban namin."
La Salle head coach Louie Gonzalez is thrilled that Baltazar has stepped up to take on the challenge head on. He says, "Ngayon, china-challenge ko siya. Noong January pa lang, and now na talagang nailagay na siya sa limelight, it’s a change of lifestyle for him. It can’t be only na naglalaro siya ng basketball - he also has to take care of himself, and he has to take care of his nutrition, rest, and image." He adds, "I know this kid was just waiting for his time. And this is his time."
With Ben Mbala around for the past couple of seasons, Justine Baltazar was content to settle for limited minutes.
But with the Cameroon international taking his talents to the pro ranks overseas, as well as for his national team, coupled with an injury to their prized recruit Taane Samuel, the former Juniors Finals MVP has stepped up and taken his portion of the spotlight, helping La Salle secure two wins this week.
On Wednesday, he netted seventeen points and twelve rebounds in just under 27 minutes against National University. His jumper with 28 seconds left broke a 76-all tie against the Bulldogs, with the Green Archers eventually securing an 80-76 win.
Then on Sunday, he netted sixteen points, fourteen rebounds, and three blocks in La Salle's 82-72 victory over UE.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as Justine beat out teammate Aljun Melecio, Jerrick Ahanmisi of Adamson, and Prince Orizu of Far Eastern University for the Chooks-to-Go Player of the Week nod from the UAAP Press Corps.
Justine shared to the media after their game against the Red Warriors, "Trabaho lang kami sa training, at saka sa game." He added, "Sabi ni coach, huwag kaming mag-relax kahit UE kalaban namin."
La Salle head coach Louie Gonzalez is thrilled that Baltazar has stepped up to take on the challenge head on. He says, "Ngayon, china-challenge ko siya. Noong January pa lang, and now na talagang nailagay na siya sa limelight, it’s a change of lifestyle for him. It can’t be only na naglalaro siya ng basketball - he also has to take care of himself, and he has to take care of his nutrition, rest, and image." He adds, "I know this kid was just waiting for his time. And this is his time."
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