Justine Baltazar says Gilas experience will help him with Japan stint

Filipino import Justine Baltazar said his experience with Gilas Pilipinas will help him in his upcoming stint with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League.

Baltazar participated in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

"My experience and learnings with Gilas Pilipinas shaped me a lot and it will help me more to contribute to my new team in Japan," he said in a press conference on Monday.

Baltazar said his Gilas teammates have also been supportive of his decision and said he is still willing to suit up for the national team if ever he receives a call-up.

"If they call and ask for my help, I will gladly participate in our Gilas team," he said.

As Baltazar opens a new chapter of his career in Japan, he said he will give his best and will give 100% in his games.

"I always see to it that I always put my heart in every game I play," he added.

Meanwhile, Hiroshima Dragonflies general manager Shuji Okazaki said Baltazar still has room for growth, but has high hopes as the Filipino player joins the team in the upcoming season.

"I think he can play hard so I have high hopes for his contributions in rebounding, defense. He's [also] good at shooting," he said.

Baltazar is among the few Filipinos who will play in the B.League which will open on September 29. Other Filipino players in the Japanese league include brothers Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Kobe Paras, Ray Parks, Jr., and Jordan Heading.

—JMB, GMA News