Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand in a FIBA OQT match at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Andray Blatche was overcome with emotions after New Zealand sent the Philippines to an early exit late Wednesday night that he declined interviews with the media afterwards.
Blatche found a way to air his feeling through an emotional post on his Instagram account where he shared a photo of himself shortly as the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of Gilas Pilipinas’ bid to make the Rio Olympics.
The naturalized Filipino leaned on his knees with his head dipped as the Kiwis celebrated advancing to the semifinals of the FIBA OQT.
“Walking off this court was the hardest thing for me to do [in] a long time. The love and support I have gotten here is more [than] enough. Flying back home [just doesn’t] feel [right],” Blatche wrote.
The 29-year-old Blatche carried the Philippines with a game-high 30 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field, including 4-of-7 from the three-point area.
He also singlehandedly rallied the Filipinos down the stretch, pulling them within two points before the Kiwis zoomed away for good, 89-80.
Blatche had 21 points in a 93-84 loss to France Tuesday.