Blatche blends well with Gilas in return
Naturalized Filipino and long-time Gilas Pilipinas big man Andray Blatche prior the national team's evening practice at the Big Dome, Sunday. | Contributed Photo
MANILA, Philippines — Andray Blatche arrived in Manila on Sunday and quickly linked up with Smart Gilas Pilipinas in their training sessions.
Checking in for his second practice with the Filipinos Sunday night at the Big Dome, the naturalized big man said that he had no trouble adjusting with the team’s schemes.
“It was pretty much comfortable — with the offense, the defense and the players and staff,” Blatche told reporters before Gilas’ evening affair. “It was a quick adjustment for me.”
But coming off a calf injury, is the 6-foot-11 versatile center in tip-top shape?
“I’m great,” he said, allaying worries. “I’m in good shape. You know, Ive been playing overseas in China and I’m trying to get back from injury and be on the court and playing.”
Asked about the Nationals’ upcoming assignment Japan in Tokyo, Blatche noted that playing on the road doesn’t really bother him.
“I’m just looking forward to winning,” he said. “Wherever we at, the main focus is winning. So we’ll go to Japan, get a win, come back here and get another win.”
“I mean, you know, it doesn’t really matter. You love the game of basketball and you’re playing the game, it’s fun. You practice along so when the game comes, you roll with the punches.”
Gilas opens their bid for a return to the basketball World Cup on November 24. They tackle Chinese-Taipei on November 27 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
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