But team manager assures Blatche will be in SEABA
MANILA -- Naturalized player Andray Blatche won’t be able to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in time for the PBA All-Star Games, according to Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio.
But Antonio assured that the former NBA player will be able to join the national team for the 2017 SEABA Championship, which is the qualifier for the FIBA Asia Cup in August.
“We’re looking at maybe May 1 or 2. It’s in time for the SEABA. By that time, we’re heading back to Manila after finishing the PBA All-Stars by May 1.”
Antonio said coach Chot Reyes will probably give the Gilas players a day’s rest after the All-Star action before they return to training on May 2.
“That’s the target. But everything is okay as far as (Blatche’s) commitment to play for SEABA,” he said.
Blatche recently led the Xinjiang Flying Tigers to a title win in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), which is why Reyes is expecting him to be in good shape.
Antonio said they want Blatche to quickly adjust to their system.
“I was on the line with his handlers Tuesday afternoon. We’re just waiting for the exact date of his arrival,” he said. “I just told them if we can have him earlier, the better. I think we can bring him up to speed, his adjustment on how Coach Chot is running his system. Sanay na rin tayo sa ganyan.”
Gilas Pilipinas started the first of the three All-Star matches scheduled against the PBA Stars in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday. They will play in Lucena against the Luzon All-Stars on Friday then wrap up their campaign against the Visayas All-Stars in Cebu on Sunday.
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