In 2023, Justine Baltazar returned to domestic basketball to play for his hometown, this time with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in both the Pilipinas Super League and later the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
17 Facts About Justine Baltazar
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Justine Baltazar became the first player in the MPBL to win two finals MVPs and season MVPs, where he won in both 2023 and 2024.
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Justine Baltazar was selected to three UAAP Mythical Teams while playing for De La Salle.
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Justine Baltazar was born on February 19,1997 in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
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Justine Baltazar moved to Metro Manila in 2012 to attend the Nazareth School of National University.
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Justine Baltazar played in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines in high school and college.
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Justine Baltazar led the team to a runner-up finish in UAAP Season 77 in 2015 and to the title in UAAP Season 78 in 2016.
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Justine Baltazar later transferred to De La Salle University to play for the De La Salle Green Archers, of the UAAP, for college.
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On January 4,2023, Justine Baltazar announced his commitment to play for the Seoul Samsung Thunders of the Korean Basketball League.
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Justine Baltazar then returned to representing his hometown, this time with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns franchise.
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Justine Baltazar then went on to become season MVP and Finals MVP as the Giant Lanterns swept the Bacoor City Strikers in the 2023 MPBL finals.
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Justine Baltazar then went on to lead the team to back-to-back titles after sweeping the Quezon Huskers in the 2024 MPBL finals, earning his second MPBL Finals MVP nod, becoming the first team to do so.
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Justine Baltazar became the first player to win two regular season MVP nods.
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On July 3,2024, Justine Baltazar would declare for the PBA draft , this time for season 49.
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Justine Baltazar was selected with the first overall pick by the Converge FiberXers, but committed to finished the 2024 MPBL season with the Giant Lanterns as per his contract with the team.
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Justine Baltazar suited up for the national team in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers and the 2020 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament both in mid-2021.
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Justine Baltazar is married to Rizza with whom he has a son.