Justine Baltazar brings act to Japan, signs with Hiroshima Dragonflies

Justine Baltazar is indeed taking his talent to the Land of the Rising Sun.

The 6-foot-7 bruiser has signed with the Hiroshima Dragonflies as he will now compete in the prestigious Japan B. League next season.

The team announced the development in a Twitter post Thursday morning.

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Baltazar, a product of the De La Salle University, said he arrived at the decision by considering his family.

"Before signing the contract, I was thinking about my family first. Of course, I had a strong desire to join this team," Baltazar said in a statement released by the club.

"I thought Hiroshima Dragonfly was a great team for my family. It's a great honor to be a member of the team. I'll never forget this connection and for the club. I would like to contribute with all my strength."

Baltazar was supposed to join the recent PBA Rookie Draft but eventually pulled out.

He is coming off a stellar final season with the Green Archers where they reached the UAAP Season 84 Final Four but fell to University of the Philippines to bow out of contention.

He also suited up for Gilas Pilipinas during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers last year where he averaged 7.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals.

He will join other professional Filipino ballers in the B. League like Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Kobe Paras, and Ray Parks Jr. — LA, GMA News