Gilas Pilipinas eyes Andray Blatche for SEABA Men’s Championship in Manila

GILAS Pilipinas is planning to bring in naturalized player Andray Blatche to the coming SEABA Men’s Basketball Championship.

Team Manager Butch Antonio confirmed the news to BusinessWorld during Monday’s workout at the Meralco gym.

“For the SEABA, we’re trying to bring in Andray,” said Mr. Antonio. “I think he’s in the CBA now ( China) where his team is competing in the semifinals or finals, I’m not sure.”

Getting Mr. Blatche, a former NBA player who suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in three major tournaments — the 2014 FIBA World Cup, 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament last year — is the team’s ultimate objective, although Mr. Antonio clarified that nothing is certain yet whether he could play for the coming SEABA tournament in Manila.

The SEABA tournament is a must- win tournament for Gilas Pilipinas as a win would guarantee the Filipinos a spot in the FIBA Asia Cup. The FIBA Asia Cup would determine the qualifiers for the home and away tournament leading to the 2019 World Cup.

“As far as Andray Blatche is concerned, we’re continuously talking to his handlers. As I’ve always said, it’s positive. But until agreements are formalized, that’s the only time we can say that everything is done. Our talks look OK, but you can never be sure until the signature is there,” added Mr. Antonio.

But how long will the national squad stick with Mr. Blatche? What’s the team’s future in terms of getting naturalized players.

“The coaches are the ones looking for candidates, but nothing is cast in stone yet,” said Mr. Antonio. “The coaches are the ones doing research for potential naturalized candidates. Whether we get younger players or veterans, it will depend on Coach Chot ( Reyes) as we will just support whatever he needs.”

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Senator Sonny Angara in a previous interview with BusinessWorld said he is willing to sponsor a bill that will grant Philippine citizenship to those players seeking naturalization, but instead of looking for one, he suggested to the country’s basketball governing body to find three players.

“Three would be better so we can process the naturalization process at the same time. It’s not convenient for us to naturalize one player, then if we find another one, we will naturalize another one. It might be better for us to find three,” added Mr. Angara.