MARQUEE big man Justine Baltazar formally applied for the PBA Draft and looms as a possible no. 1 overall pick in the July 14 proceedings at Glorietta in Makati.
The lanky 6-foot-9 native of Mabalacat, Pampanga submitted his papers on Wednesday or a day before the final submission of application expires.
Last-minute applicants are expected to join before the July 4 deadline.
Aside from Baltazar, the list that has so far included the likes of former Gilas player Ben Philips, UAAP champion players CJ Cansino, Evan Nelle, Francis Escandor, CJ Catapusan, and Paul Garcia, as well as NCAA champion Peter Alfaro.
Others in the mix are Fil-Am Caelan Tiongson, DJ Mitchell, Calvin Payawal, John Uduba, and Jielo Razon and Brandon Ramirez.
Sponsored content: All rookie applicants will undergo the two-day Draft Combine set July 10-11 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The first day of the Combine will have the prospective draftees being screened according to their physical, athletic, and mental fitness.
Day 2 meanwhile, is devoted to an entire day of pitting all rookies spread out to different teams and playing against each other in a number of games.
Following the Combine, the list will be pruned down to its final number in time for Draft Day.
Converge owns the no. 1 overall pick followed by Blackwater, Terrafirma, Phoenix, and Northport.
Sponsored content: Drafting sixth is NLEX, then Rain or Shine with the next two picks, Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, and finally San Miguel. (RG)
