WILL Justine Baltazar beat the deadline of applications for the PBA Rookie Draft?
That s the question that will be answered as the pro league closes its doors for entrants to the annual rookie proceedings on Wednesday.
It has been over a month since the PBA started accepting application forms for aspirants as it welcomes fresh talent come the March 14 event.
Still, Baltazar, the promising 6-foot-8 Kapampangan center from La Salle has yet to put his name in the list.
There are scouts and coaches who see the Mabalacat native getting picked first overall, although the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is poised to tap him in the special Gilas round, ensuring that the 23-year-old will continue to play for the national team and be part of its youthful core before he formally begins his PBA career.
PHOTO: Marlo Cueto
POTENTIAL top pick Justine Baltazar has decided to sit out the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft and is staying put in La Salle.
The 6-foot-8 Kapampangan, who is unquestionably the best center in college today, told
Spin.ph of his decision as the deadline for the submission of applications counted down its last hours on Wednesday. Hindi muna po ako sasali sa draft, he said.
Baltazar, who hails from Mabalacat, Pampanga, is one of the most sought after names in the amateur ranks, with some believing that he could be picked first in this year s class if he won t be tapped in the planned special Gilas Pilipinas round.