Blatche enjoys first int’l stint

Senegal’s centre Hamady Ndiaye (down) vies with Philippines’ centre Andray Blatche (up) during the 2014 FIBA World basketball championships group B match Senegal vs Philippines at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes in Sevilla on September 4, 2014.

SEVILLE, Spain—“Yeah, let’s do this again.”

Andray Blatche had such a blast in his first international stint that he’s itching for more.

“I really feel blessed and privileged being in this situation and representing our country,” said Blatche after dinner Thursday night with the Gilas Pilipinas squad that won a first World Cup game in 40 years.

Though the Filipinos won just that one game, Blatche firmly believes that they were the best team in Group B of the tournament after having taken Argentina, the World No. 3, No. 16 Croatia and Puerto Rico to the limit and then beating Senegal, 81-79, in overtime.

He gave a moving speech after the victory dinner that showed his appreciation to be part of the country’s historic campaign.

“Since I’ve been in Manila, I’ve felt the winning spirit. When we got to work in Miami, everyone was helping me out to learn the system,” Blatche said. “I want to thank my teammates. They made it easier for me.”

Blatche is crossing his fingers that his eligibility issue is settled for the Asian Games soon enough so that he can go back to work and give his new country another thing to celebrate.

“I just want to say thank you, thank you, for this opportunity,” he said before sitting down to the applause of the entire room.