Happy to be back home
Chao Chuatico-Espaldon has been actively involved in bringing Andray Blatche to play for Gilas since his debut with the Philippine team at the FIBA World Cup in Spain in 2014 and now that he’s back from a three-game FIBA suspension, she said he’s more determined than ever to go to the next level.
Blatche is in town with personal trainer Rory Jones. He’s contracted to play for Tianjin until the end of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season. That’s why Blatche, who flew in to practice with Gilas last Friday, will return to China on Feb. 11 to play two games for Tianjin on Feb. 13 and 15 before rejoining the Philippine team in Doha on Feb. 16. Blatche won’t miss a single game for Tianjin while he plays for Gilas against Qatar on Feb. 21 and against Kazakhstan on Feb. 24. Tianjin’s next contest is against Beijing on Feb. 28. While Blatche is delivering impressive numbers in 13 games so far, Tianjin is tied with Bayi at No. 17 in the 20-team CBA standings with identical 9-29 records.
Blatche’s buddy and constant companion Bryan Extra is in Miami so he’s in town only with Jones. “We asked Rory to come so Andray could have his personal trainer working out with him regularly,” said Chao. “As far as attitude, I think Andray is happy to be back home with his teammates and Filipino fans. He was always keeping himself in shape in time for when he expected to come back for the fifth window and now that he is finally here for the sixth window, he’s determined to do all that he can to win.”
Blatche could’ve rejoined Gilas for the game against Iran in the fifth window but coach Yeng Guiao opted for continuity and tapped Christian Standhardinger instead as the team’s naturalized import. Standhardinger is classified as a naturalized player by FIBA even if he’s half-Filipino by lineage as his mother is a full-blooded Filipina. Standhardinger scored 17 points against Iran and Gilas lost, 78-70, at home last Dec. 3.
With Gilas’ back against the wall, Guiao said Blatche’s return is key to sweeping the sixth window and clinching a spot for the World Cup. “Andray knows it’s critical and he’s committed to win,” coners tinued Chao. “His one wish is that the team would have more chances to practice together and have tune-up games – that’s why he came earlier than his committed arrival date.”
Blatche’s contract with SBP stipulates his arrival seven days before the first game of a qualifying window or whenever the CBA agrees to release contracted playto rejoin their national teams. Blatche, however, volunteered to fly over during the Chinese New Year break to resume practicing with Gilas. The nine-year NBA veteran can practice only thrice with Gilas because the PBA won’t take a break until after Feb. 13 but Guiao has arranged daily workouts with his PBA team NLEX up to when he returns to China.
The other day, SBP president Al Panlilio met up with Blatche at the EDSA ShangriLa Hotel. Others in the meeting were SBP special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio, SBP operations director Butch Antonio, Chao, Jones and Smart Sports senior product specialist Yvette Ruiz.
“It was a positive and lively conversation,” said Panlilio. “We talked about the next two games and their implication. We are aligned in our objective to ensure victories over Qatar in Doha and Kazakhstan in Astana. I’m personally pleased with what I saw and his preparation for his tour of duty is very encouraging. I’ve been monitoring his games in China and he’s in good basketball shape. I’m confident that with Andray on board, the much-needed victories are achievable.”
Panlilio said there’s no looking back with Gilas. “We’re determined to make it to the World Cup in China,” he said. “We owe it to the Filipinos who’ve been supporting Smart Gilas Pilipinas through thick and thin. Our back is against the wall and we need prayers from everyone to help us win games.”
Gregorio said Blatche explained that he’s using his China stint to get himself ready for the sixth window of the FIBA Asia/Pacific World Cup Qualifiers. “No mention of the past,” said Gregorio. “Forward looking lang lahat. Mr. Panlilio is encouraged by Andray’s determination to help our cause. From what we’ve seen so far in his workouts, Andray is in tip-top shape.”