Andray Blatche AP FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—American Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche paid a courtesy call to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert Del Rosario Monday as he makes preparations to begin practicing with the Gilas Pilipinas team.
“It’s amazing. I’ve been treated well, people here are very generous, nice and caring. I’m just thankful to be here,” Blatche told reporters in an interview.
“I met a lot of people including my teammates. We talked about basketball and some conversations we had made me feel welcome, made me feel good with the situation I’m in. We all want to win, we all talked about winning, and I can tell this is going to be exciting,” he said.
The bill granting Blatche Filipino citizenship was previously passed by both houses of Congress and is awaiting the signature of President Benigno Aquino III.
He said that he will begin practicing with the Gilas team in July ahead of the Fiba World Cup which will be held in Spain in August.
Del Rosario welcomed Blatche and expressed hope that he will be a great addition to the team.
“We want to welcome Andray that he’s the best addition to Pilipinas Gilas team. As you know he’s an outstanding performer in the NBA. As you also know last year, we came out second in Fiba Asia,” Del Rosario said.
“And with the addition and great contribution we expect from Andray, we’re hoping the result will be even better,” he said.
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