Baldwin expects Blatche to be in shape

Tab Baldwin talking to Andray Blatche. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Word has it that naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche will be in better shape this time than his last stint as he tries to lead Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba Olympic qualifying tournament.

But Philippine team head coach Tab Baldwin would rather see it for himself before believing in anything.

“I’m a doubting Thomas,” he said on Sunday after wrapping up the team’s morning practice at Meralco Gym.

“I’m hoping and expecting that he will be [in better shape], because that’s what we’ve been assured and that’s what was carefully discussed in the negotiations. It was emphasized, so I am expecting. But do I know that to be the case? Not until I see it in front of my eyes.”

Blatche was under fire last year for coming to training camp overweight. Though he slowly shed off the weight, the former NBA veteran wasn’t in tiptop shape when Gilas Pilipinas settled for the silver medal in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship in Changsha, China.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios has repeatedly said in previous interviews that the camp of Blatche assured that the Syracuse, New York native will be in a better shape when the Philippine men’s national team eyes the lone ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Manila this July.

Baldwin, however, reluctant to believe in what he hears.

“When they walk on the floor and I can see what they can do, then I know what they can do. And until I see that, it’s just noise in the background,” he said.

Blatche is scheduled to arrive in the country on Friday.

Aside from Blatche, Baldwin is also waiting for the return of San Miguel Beer shooter Marcio Lassiter, Alaska’s do-it-all forward Calvin Abueva, and the Rain or Shine core of Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, and Jeff Chan.

All five are expected to report to practice on Tuesday.