Photo credit: PBA

Justine Baltazar, the 6-foot-7 La Salle standout, returned to the spotlight in a big way on Sunday, clinching the top spot in the Season 49 PBA rookie draft.

After skipping the 2022 draft, Baltazar's triumphant comeback was marked by cheers from fans as Converge governor Archen Cayabyab announced his selection.

In 2022, Baltazar opted out of a draft that saw players like Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Jeremiah Gray, and Jeo Ambohot take the top spots. Now 27, Baltazar becomes the first homegrown player in years to be chosen first overall, joining the promising Converge squad alongside fellow big man Justin Arana.

"I'm really excited," said Baltazar, a proud native of Mabalacat, Pampanga, eager to team up with Arana. "I'll give my best as a big man. Last year, they seemed to lack size, so our tandem looks promising."

Meanwhile, Blackwater and Barangay Ginebra opted for backcourt talents with their second and third picks, respectively, shaping an intriguing first round. Six-foot-2 Fil-Am guard Sedrick Barefield joined Blackwater at No. 2, while third-generation pro RJ Abarrientos landed with Ginebra at No. 3, echoing his uncle Johnny's draft legacy with the Alaska Milkmen three decades ago.

"It's another blessing for our family," shared Johnny Abarrientos, representing his nephew currently competing in the Jones Cup in Taipei. Ginebra coach Tim Cone highlighted the team's initial plan to draft a forward but couldn't resist "the Abarrientos bloodline."

Phoenix bolstered their roster with 6-foot-5 Caelan Tiongson at No. 7 and surprised fans by picking Sweden-born Felix Lenetti. The first round wrapped up with Jerome Lastimosa heading to Magnolia, Mark Nonoy joining Terrafirma, CJ Cansino picked by Meralco, and Adam Nava chosen by San Miguel Beer.