HINDI naitago ni Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes ang pagkadismaya sa pambibitin ni naturalized Filipino player Andray Blatche.
Inaasahan ng coaching staff na makikiisa si Blatche sa ensayo ng Gilas nitong Martes, ngunit nabigo ang dating NBA player na makabalik sa Pilipinas mula sa paglalaro sa China.
Naghahanda ang Gilas para sa pagsabak sa SEABA Championships sa Mayo 12-18. Ang torneo ang magsisilbing qualifying para sa FIBA Asia Cup.
“He called me right after his girlfriend gave birth to their son [pero] supposed to be nandito siya tonight. But then, he was asked daw to stay for the christening, and the word is, Friday siya darating,” sambit ni Reyes.
Ayon kay Reyes, kinukunsidera na nilang Palitan si Blatche at nakahanda silang magbayad ng itinakdang replacement fee.
Kung sakali ayon pa kay Reyes, baka gumamit na lamang sya ng All-Filipino line-up sa SEABA.
“I’m very upset with the unfolding of events. Andray knows it, his handlers know it. And as I’ve said, kung magkaroon pa ng aberya, we will replace him,” dagdag pa ni Reyes. (Marivic Awitan)
