Ni: Marivic Awitan
NAKARATING na rin sa wakas galing China si Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center Andray Blatche.
Katunayan nakadalo na ito ng ensayo ng men’s national squad noong Linggo ng gabi sa -Araneta Coliseum pagkaraan nyang dumating ng bansa ng 2:00 ng madaling araw sa parehas ding araw.
Bagamat anim na araw na lamang bago sumabak ang Gilas kontra Japan para sa panimula ng kanilang kampanya sa 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifers , naniniwala ang 6-foot-11 slotman na wala ng kailangang malaking adjustment para sa kanya sa sistema ni coach Chot Reyes.
“I mean we had a practice earlier, so it was pretty much getting comfortable with the offense, the defense, and the players and the coaching staff,” anang 31-anyos na si Blatche.
“It’s a quick adjustment for me.”
Nakadalawang laro pa si Blatche bago magtungo ng Pilipinas sa Chinese Basketball Association para sa kanyang club team na Xinjiang Flying Tigers kung saan sya nagtala ng average na 26.50 puntos, 11.50 rebounds, at 2.50 blocks.
“I’m great, I’m in good shape,” ani Blatche, na huling lumaro sa Gilas noong 2017 SEABA Championships noong Mayo.
“I’ve been playing overseas in China and I’m trying to get back from injury and be back on the court playing.”
Ani Blatche, tatangkain nyang maipanalo ang unang dalawang laban ng Gilas.“I’m just looking forward to winning.
Wherever we are, the main focos is winning.”
“We’ll go to Japan, get a win, come back here and get the win.”
“That’s the goal,” wika pa ni Blatche.
