Finally, after three games in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Andray Blatche has displayed his old form.
The naturalized center top-billed for SMART Gilas Pilipinas in their 89-84 victory over Japan Sunday night, finishing with 18 points on 41.2 percent shooting from the field along with 16 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
This, after being nearly a non-factor in Gilas’ 68-84 loss to the world’s number 10 Australia last February 22 in Melbourne, where he only collected eight markers — scoring just one in the second half — and seven boards.
“His value has always been beyond numbers,” expressed national team head coach Chot Reyes of the 6-foot-11 center.
“Andray is our guy… Andray makes us competitive, regardless of the what the numbers or the stats show.”
But even with a performance like that, Blatche still feels that he could have done better than that.
“It sort of [made up for my bad performance] but I feel like I could do a lot better,” said the former NBA cager.
“It’s a rhythm thing, I’m starting to get my rhythm back, starting to get my legs back… It’s about confidence.”
Blatche was seen screaming on top of his lungs at midcourt after the final buzzer sounded. The reason behind it, according to the 31-year-old himself, was that he felt some sense of relief with the game’s result and with his play.
“To advance, and definitely for being bashed the last 36-48 hours, just to get a win and get some of it off my shoulders, just to know I was able to help us get to the second round,” said Blatche, who’s norming 16.3 points and 11.5 boards.
As the second window has wrapped up, Blatche sets his focus back in China with Xinjiang Flying Tigers. Asked if this performance of his was his way of proving his doubters wrong, the 13-year pro said there’s really nothing to prove.
“No, never. I’m quite sure they’re gonna find something else. All I can do is continue getting better and stay focused,” he said.
