Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

Andray Blatche says he’s in good shape, confident with SMART Gilas’ chances


There were no signs of travel fatigue from Andray Blatche as he made his way to the SMART-Araneta Coliseum to attend SMART Gilas Pilipinas’ second practice of the day, Sunday evening. He touched down in Manila at around 2:00am.

Though he arrived exactly just six days before the Philippines kicks off its 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifers campaign against Japan in Tokyo, the 6-foot-11 stretch big man says that his re-education to coach Chot Reyes’ system has been seamless so far.

“I mean we had a practice earlier, so it was pretty much getting comfortable with the offense, the defense, and the players and the coaching staff,” said the 31-year-old naturalized Filipino.

“It’s a quick adjustment for me.”

Blatche is coming off two games with his Chinese Basketball Association club team Xinjiang Flying Tigers. In the two games he played there, he posted norms of 26.50 points, 11.50 rebounds, and 2.50 blocks.

Safe to say, the right calf injury that bothered him during the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup is improving.

“I’m great, I’m in good shape,” said Blatche, who last played for SMART Gilas back in the 2017 SEABA Championships back in May. “I’ve been playing overseas in China and I’m trying to get back from injury and be back on the court playing.”

With SMART Gilas playing two games in a span of four days and accross 1,861 miles, Blatche is not planning to waste the effort that they will put in over the upcoming days. His aim is to give the Philippines an unblemished 2-0 slate in the first window of the tournament.

#ReadMore  Jayson Castro leads SMART Gilas both on the court and on the sidelines

“I’m just looking forward to winning. Wherever we are, the main focos is winning,” he vowed.

“We’ll go to Japan, get a win, come back here and get the win.

“That’s the goal,” Blatche declared.

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Strong Group advanced to the final four of the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship after having its way with Morocco’s AS Sale, 92-80, on...

Basketball

Facing their toughest challenge in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, Strong Group Athletics emerged victorious with a 91-89 win over Al Ahly Tripoli,...

Basketball

Andray Blatche, the seasoned hero from Gilas Pilipinas, played a pivotal role in Strong Group Athletics’ 104-95 conquest over Homenetmen in the 33rd Dubai...

Basketball

Kevin Quiambao and Francis Escandor have proven their worth. The two La Salle stalwarts paved the way in Strong Group Athletics’ impressive 89-67 victory...

Basketball

Dwight Howard and Andray Blatche are set to lead the Strong Group cast in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship, aiming for redemption following...

19th Asian Games

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas unveiled the initial list of 60 players submitted to the Philippine Olympic Committee Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee last...

Basketball

PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas agreed that naturalized Filipinos who served the country should be given the chance to see action in the league. This...

Basketball

Both naturalized Filipinos Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche are calling for the Philippine Basketball Association to relax their rules on player eligibility regarding naturalized...

Advertisement