Gilas Pilipinas are surely on a high after clinching the 2017 SEABA Championship title in home soil Thursday night. But just as when everything is falling into place for the national squad, a question arose.
The uncertain future with Gilas of naturalized Filipino center Andray Blatche, that is, after the biennial regional cagefest.
“We have to sit down to figure out a schedule, because he also has a tournament — he has obligations in China, in the CBA, so we really don’t know kung anong mangyayari,” admitted Gilas head coach Chot Reyes.
“We really don’t know how that’s going to affect Andray’s schedule, so hindi pa natin alam.”
Blatche is currently under contract with Xinjiang Flying Tigers in the Chinese pro league, and a conflict in schedule will surely arise once the CBA season rolls in November — the same time when the 2019 FIBA World Asian Qualifiers takes place.
The current schedule for the games will happen on November 2017, February 2018, and June 2018. The Philippines will be situated with Australia, Chinese-Taipei, and Japan.
Still, the former NBA veteran, whatever happens, wishes nothing but the best for the Nationals in their future endeavors — with or without him.
“I might find it hard to make it because of my other season, but I’ll keep the guys in my prayers and hope the guys will be successful,” said Blatche.
