Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Brook Lopez thinks the Philippines is lucky to have Andray Blatche as its naturalized player.
“I can’t say enough because I know how much he loves the game and I know how much the Filipino people love the game as well. It’s a natural partnership,” Lopez said on Monday.
The two spent two years together with the Brooklyn Nets before Blatche opted to go to China and play for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in 2014.
That same year, Blatche’s naturalization papers were approved which allowed him to represent the country starting in the 2014 Fiba World Cup in Spain.
Looking back at their two seasons together, Lopez shared that the 6-foot-11 Blatche is just a bundle of joy to be with, imparting character to the team on and off the court.
“Playing on the same team with him, he’s such an amazing talent,” he said. “He made things easier for me when we’re on the floor together and he’s such a fun locker room guy. He brings a lot of energy. We call him ‘Dray Live’ and he’s a great guy and a great person to be around.”
Lopez feels proud seeing how far his former teammate has gone since leaving the NBA with Blatche making a name for himself in the international stage.
“It was great to see him be a part of the Gilas team. It’s a great thing and I love seeing him play for this country,” he said.