Naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche was set to make his first practice with Gilas Pilipinas on Tuesday night in their preparations for the 2017 SEABA Championships set 10 days from now, but he was a no-show.
And the absence of the six-foot-ten center drew the ire of national team head coach Chot Reyes, who openly expressed his displeasure towards the American, particularly for the reasons given out regarding his delayed attendance.
“He called me right after his girlfriend gave birth to their son [pero] supposed to be nandito siya tonight. But then, he was asked daw to stay for the christening, and the word is, Friday siya darating,” shared Reyes about the import’s absence.
“Sabi ko, we’re seriously considering replacing him. ‘Pag nagloko-loko pa siya, tatanggalin na talaga namin siya. There’s a replacement fee, we’ll pay the replacement fee,” a fuming Reyes added.
When asked if he is willing to field in an all-Filipino squad in the regional tourney slated on May 12 to 18, Reyes iterated that it will be a huge possibility, if ever Blatche will not keep his promise.
“That’s a possibility,” Reyes rued.
“I’m very upset with the unfolding of events. Andray knows it, his handlers know it. And as I’ve said, kung magkaroon pa ng aberya, we will replace him.”
Moreover, the possible replacement of the former NBA cager prompted Reyes and the Samahang Basketbol ng Piilpinas to invite the Cadets over for Tuesday night’s practice, as they are now looking for that one player to take Blatche’s spot, in case.
“The cadets are here — number one to help as practice players, and number two to get them ready in case we need a replacement,” the 53-year-old said.
Reyes has now issued an ultimatum to his seemingly non-committal reinforcement until Friday of this week to show up for Gilas. However, his trust towards Blatche has already been tainted.
“His guarantee doesn’t mean a thing to me. Ang dami na niyang guarantee na ‘di niya tinutupad,” Reyes said angrily.
