It looks like Andray Blatche’s time with Gilas Pilipinas has come to an end.
Despite the 6-foot-11 naturalized Filipino being in the country for the next few weeks due to a commitment Mighty Sports, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio revealed that he will not be in consideration for the Gilas pool in the upcoming first window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. The first window takes place on February 20 and 23.
“Andray has helped us a lot in the past, but I think it’s time we move on from him.”
The former NBA player was part of Gilas Pilipinas from 2014 to 2019.
The native of Syracuse, New York has played in two World Cups.
In his final stint with Gilas, the 33-year-old posted norms of 15.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. The Philippines went winless in the campaign.
In preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Panlilio is looking to form a pool of two to three naturalized players who will also be full-time Gilas players.
“My objective is to have two to three names as a pool for naturalized players to lessen the risk kung magka-injury man.
“So, that’s a process also. We are finalizing the line-up, finalizing the naturalized players, and the coaches. ‘Yan ‘yung mga task-at-hand,” said Panlilio.
But for the first window of the ACQ, Gilas will most likely field either Christian Standhardinger or Stanley Pringle for the naturalized slot.
“But for the first window, we only have two naturalized players today in Stanley and Christian. So maybe their names will be put there. We have to see.”
