MANILA, Philippines – In the 2024 PBA Draft, Justine Baltazar and Sedrick Barefield went 1-2 as predicted. Converge selected Baltazar as the best candidate overall on Sunday at the Glorietta 4 Activity Center in Makati City.

Because of his connections to the team, it was long assumed that the 6-foot-9 big man from Pampanga would sign with the FiberXers.

The 27-year-old Baltazar is a talented athlete. He is a three-time member of the UAAP Mythical Team and the current MPBL Most Valuable Player.Converge, who only managed three victories the previous season, is looking to improve this year.

He said, “I’m proud of my role in the team and I’m really thrilled about the Converge team. We can collaborate in tandem like this. “I’m really excited to see Justin (Arana) again.”

The sole restriction is that Baltazar would only sign with Converge in December, following Pampanga’s 2024 MPBL season campaign. Sedrick Barefield became Blackwater’s franchise guard in the meantime.

The former OKC Blue player was chosen as the second choice by The Elite, who a few weeks prior had traded away Rey Nambatac to the TNT Tropang Giga. Before deciding to play in the PBA, the 27-year-old guard from Corona, California, had an amazing career that included games played all around the world.

Now the unexpected happened. After a sensational deal on Saturday, Ginebra acquired the third overall pick from Terrafirma, selecting RJ Abarrientos.

It brought back memories of the Peninsula Manila draft in Makati in 1993, when Johnny Abarrientos was chosen third overall by Tim Cone and Alaska. Johnny filled in and took home the Ginebra shirt for the 43rd William Jones Cup as RJ was still at Strong Group.

The following three selections were UAAP rookies: NLEX picked Jonnel Policarpio of La Salle, while Kai Ballungay and Dave Ildefonso of Ateneo went to Phoenix and Northport, respectively.

In a stunning turn of events at the PBA Draft, Rain or Shine, still riding high from their deep draft success from the previous season, pulled off another coup. The Elasto Painters, showing a talent-spotting instinct that’s becoming second nature, snagged Caelan Tiongson to bolster their frontline. The move sent shockwaves through the league as Tiongson is expected to team up with Keith Datu and Luis Villegas in what looks to be a formidable trio. 

But there’s still more! In a shocking turn of events, Rain or Shine chose Fil-Swede Felix Lemetti, leaving onlookers stunned. It was an unexpected selection that took even the most seasoned observers by surprise. How refreshing to keep everyone alert! Known faces found new homes as the draft developed. Once connected at the hip, Mark Nonoy and CJ Cansino parted ways. Cansino was destined for Meralco at number eleven, while Nonoy arrived at Terrafirma with the tenth pick. It was a moment of mixed emotions, hinting at fresh starts.

San Miguel’s acquisition of Avan Nava, the former Asian import from Seoul Samsung, brought the first round to a spectacular conclusion. However, the thrill was far from over! The second round was started by Rain or Shine and Northport, who respectively captured La Salle classmates Evan Nelle and Ef Escandor. With NU’s Mike Malonzo, the Painters wrapped up their haul, sealing a draft day that will be remembered for many seasons to come.

Converge, meanwhile, was hard at work assembling its own ideal squad, bringing in Paolo Javillonar, Ben Phillips, and Jason Credo. NLEX, not to be outdone, selected the Kapampangan tandem Xyrus Torres and Brandon Ramirez, doubling down on local talent.

There were still jewels to be uncovered as the draft came to an end. In the third round, Blackwater found success with DJ Mitchell, and Phoenix captured CJ Payawal in a move that excited supporters. After everything was said and done, 48 out of the 69 aspirants had relocated to the PBA, each bearing the burden of expectations along with aspirations of greatness. What a day it has been – How amazing a draft. People, the forthcoming season has become much more intriguing.