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FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers: Gilas big man Baltazar finds comfort zone in new role as wing

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Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/life/06/19/20210619-justine-baltazar-co-fiba.jpg"/><figcaption>Gilas Pilipinas&#x27; Justine Baltazar during the Philippines&#x27; game against Indonesia. <em>Courtesy of FIBA</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>At 6-foot-9, Justine Baltazar is good enough to play center in Philippine basketball.</p><p>But coach Tab Baldwin has transformed him into a small forward, which suited him just right, especially during their game against Indonesia in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers on Friday.</p><p>With superior height against Indonesian defenders, Baltazar showed his offensive prowess, drilling 2 3-pointers to finish with 11 points, 9 rebounds, a steal, and a block.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/18/21/fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-baldwin-claps-back-at-south-korea-coachs-lucky-shot-statement">FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers: Baldwin claps back at South Korea coach&#x27;s &#x27;lucky shot&#x27; statement</a></li></ul><p>&quot;Matagal ko na kasing prinaktis. Sabi ng coaches natin kaya ko namang maging wing man, para pagpasok sa court mataas ang height natin,&quot; he said.</p><p>Baldwin was pleased with Baltazar&#x27;s transition, saying: &quot;I think he has made the transition pretty smoothly, particularly at the offensive end.</p><p>&quot;He has a great offensive skillset. But I think he&#x27;s potentially even a better defender, especially at this point.&quot;</p><p>The coach said Baltazar&#x27;s height will be useful to defend his smaller counterparts in Asia.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/06/18/21/fiba-asia-cup-qualifiers-gilas-cruises-past-indonesia-en-route-to-blowout-win">FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers: Gilas cruises past Indonesia en route to blowout win</a></li></ul><p>He added that this will also enable Gilas to match up against the naturally taller teams from Europe, which put big men into small forward positions.</p><p>&quot;I think when we get to go up against European players . . . It will be more comfortable,&quot; Baldwin said.</p><p>&quot;He is a smart player, he is a tough player. He&#x27;s going to bulk up, going to get to be physically stronger, that&#x27;s going to be a problem to other teams.&quot;</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1708518" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Coach Tab Baldwin has transformed the 6-foot-9 Baltazar into a small forward</p>

Coach Tab Baldwin has transformed the 6-foot-9 Baltazar into a small forward

FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers: Gilas big man Baltazar finds comfort zone in new role as wing

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FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers: Gilas big man Baltazar finds comfort zone in new role as wing

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 19, 2021 11:52 PM PHT

Read More:

FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas

Justine Baltazar

Gilas Indonesia

Baltazar wing

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