Though unable to join Gilas Pilipinas in either the FIBA Asia Cup and the Southeast Asian Games, naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche went to social media to express his sentiments regarding not being able to suit up for the Philippines.
“I will always be very thankful for the opportunity the love and the support I have received from my Filipino family,” said the 30-year-old on Instagram.
“But [there’s] a lot of reasons why I can’t join and I don’t expect for many people to understand.”
According to multiple reports, one of the reasons why the 6-foot-11 big man could not join Gilas for the Asia Cup is due to security reasons, as the continental tournament will be held in Beirut, Lebanon.
Blatche last played for Gilas during the 2017 SEABA Championship held in Manila.
Still, the native of Syracuse, New York is wishing Gilas nothing but the best in both campaigns.
“I do wish my brothers the best of luck,” he concluded.
Without Blatche, the Philippines’ frontline for the Asia Cup will be composed of June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, Calvin Abueva, Carl Cruz, and Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger.
Gilas is grouped with China, Iraq, and Qatar in Group B of the tournament.
