Could Andray Blatche return to the NBA and join the Miami Heat? AFP file photo
TAIPEI – Andray Blatche is due to fly back here on Saturday to reinforce Gilas Pilipinas in the Jones Cup. Unfortunately, it will be in a game the Filipinos need him the least.
The 6-foot-11 former Brooklyn Nets’ center in the NBA has yet to play in the Jones Cup after flying back to the United States on opening day last Saturday to attend the funeral of his uncle.
A check with Gilas personnel confirmed that Blatche would fly back on Sept. 5, a Saturday, at around 8 p.m., and would miss the Filipinos’ clash with USA Select-Overtake slated at 5 p.m.on that day.
Chinese Taipei-B, the youngest squad in the tournament which is winless in five games thus far, will be the Filipinos’ final assignment the following day.
Gilas took a 74-65 defeat at the hands of Iran on Thursday in a game that exposed a lot of holes in the middle for the Filipinos.
But coach Tab Baldwin is not about to rush Blatche, saying: “We don’t want to ask Andre to solve our problems for us.”
Baldwin, however, said that he could give Blatche some time on the floor against the young Taiwanese, but it will all depend on how tired the naturalized center is from his trip.
Blatche, when he arrives, will have missed a full week of practice and games and will again need to double up with the Fiba Asia Championship for the region’s lone Olympic berth set in China on Sept. 23.