SEVILLE, Spain – Adulated as the new main man of Team Pilipinas, naturalized player Andray Blatche is hoping his journey as a national player doesn’t end here but extend to Incheon, Korea and beyond.
“Hopefully, I’m allowed to play. It’s for the best. I am looking forward to it. I want to play, represent the Philippines,” said Blatche, aware of his possible exclusion from the Gilas team to the 2014 Asian Games late this month.
He’s hoping the technicality on his eligibility is resolved favorably for the Philippines.
“At this point, that’s out of my hands. But I’m really looking forward to it. If not, there’s nothing I can do,” he said.
Showered with praises by the Filipinos on his solid performance in his first official game as Gilas player, Blatche is also looking forward for his return to the Philippines.
“I can’t wait to get over there after this. Move around, get around Manila a little bit,” said the NBA veteran, enjoying Boracay in his first Philippine visit after the approval of his naturalization papers by Congress and Malacanang.
“I’m very thankful to be in a situation like this,” Blatche also said, relishing the role he’s playing with Gilas.
“The guys are helping me out. They took me in as one of their own,” Blatche said of his teammates.
What can be expect of them in their remaining games in FIBA World Cup?
“Same play, come over with a lot of heart, a lot of effort. A lot of teams woke up and realized what kind of a team we are. We’re getting better and we will keep on fighting,” Blatche said.