Justin Baltazar is excited to play with Kevin Quiambao at Strong Group Athletics in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship starting 19 January.
Baltazar said he admires Quiambao’s brand of game after he led his former school — De La Salle University — to Season 86 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball title.
Although Baltazar is also from La Salle, they didn’t share the court as Quiambao saw action after the 6-foot-8 giant from Pampanga left the school.
“It’s a big help playing with Kevin here. I saw his great attitude here and he works hard,” said Baltazar, who was part of the La Salle team that won the UAAP crown in 2016.
“I’m happy he was able to win a lot of individual awards and lift the championship in La Salle. I’m proud of him.”
Baltazar and Quiambao are expected to play beautiful music together for Strong Group, which is being handled by Charles Tiu with La Salle mentor Topex Robinson as assistant.
Aside from the local stars, former National Basketball Association standouts Dwight Howard, Andray Blatche and Andre Roberson are also in the roster as well as McKenzie Moore with Olympic bronze medalist Brian Goorjian serving as consultant.
Quiambao said he couldn’t wait to share the frontcourt chores with Baltazar.
“The support of the La Sallian community has been strong for us and we’ll do what coach Charles (Tiu) needs us to do in the court. I’m just excited to play with him again,” Quiambao said.
“At first, I thought I’m still dreaming. These are the guys I grew up watching and now I’m with them. I’m just going to take advantage of the lessons I’m going to learn from them.”
