Andray Blatche’s arrival has been pushed back to another date.
Initially expected to be in the country on July 8, Blatche will be arriving between July 12 or 13, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Yeng Guiao revealed moments after the Nationals’ practice Thursday.
“There’s going to be a slight delay. We’re expecting him on the eighth or ninth, baka ang dating niya twelve or thirteen na,” the veteran bench strategist said.
Guiao explained that the reason behind such is that Blatche will have to attend a court hearing for the custody of his child.
“According sa contacts natin, agents natin sa Amerika, meron siyang court hearing sa custody case nung anak niya. Attendan niya muna yun bago siya makalipad dito,” he said.
The court hearing was originally set in July 23 but Blatche’s lawyers found a way to have it held in an earlier date, so that the former NBA cager will be able to come here right away.
“Actually yung court hearing niya is later eh, twenty-three. Pero his lawyers found a way to advance it, pinakiusapan nila yung judge para maiadvance para makarating siya rito agad,” Guiao said.
With Blatche’s arrival slightly delayed, Gilas will field in an all-Filipino lineup versus the import-laden Mighty Sports in their tuneup next week Monday, which will be played behind closed doors.
“Kami-kami lang muna,” he said.
