Andray Blatche had given it his all.
29-year-old naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche replaced the much-beloved Marcus Douthit as Gilas Pilipinas reinforcement since 2014. However, unlike Douthit, the former NBA veteran still resides in the United States or in China, where he plays professionally, during the national team’s downtime. Rarely does any Filipino see him roam the Philippines, unlike his predecessor.
Blatche, though, makes the most of his time whenever he is in his second home, involving himself in charity work and actively honing his work during practices.
The big man became the “swagger” that Gilas needed during the build-up to the tournament. He vowed to do his best to help end the country’s 44-year Olympic drought. Moreover, he returned to the country in the best shape of his life.
The 49th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft lifted the national team, averaging 25.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and a block a game in 67 minutes of total court time spanning back-to-back game days. His and his team’s efforts, however, fell short in both games, ending another Gilas campaign.
As the final buzzer sounded in Gilas’ game against New Zealand, Blatche stayed on center court with both hands on his knees and his head down. Blatche, shortly after, left the SM Mall of Asia Arena on his own, not riding the team bus.
In a short Instagram post, a disappointed Blatche expressed his gratitude to the love and support he has received from his compatriots.
“Walking off this court was the hardest thing for me to do in a long time. The love and support I have gotten here is more than enough. Flying back home just don’t feel right.”
Truly, Blatche has truly endeared himself to the Filipino people and vice versa. Moreover, this loss will only serve as fire for him and the next batch of Gilas.
