MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will likely head into the final window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers with its full force after naturalized center Andray Blatche announced that he’s back in the fold.
In an announcement made through Theia Sports, h/t to Fiba, Blatche said he’ll rejoin Gilas Pilipinas for their final two games of the tournament against Qatar and Kazakhstan.
“It’s confirmed! I’ll be back to play for the Philippines in February!” announced Blatche. “Can’t wait to win these two games for the best fans in the world!”
The Philippines is in a precarious spot in Group F, holding on to fourth place a 5-5 record. Top three teams and the better of the fourth seeds from Groups E and F will advance to the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Gilas are in a must-win situation to give them a better chance of advancing to their second straight World Cup.
The former Brooklyn Net is returning from a three-game ban after figuring in the ugly brawl between the Philippines and Australia last July 2 at Philippine Arena where a total of 13 players from both countries got suspended.
He was left off the roster of new coach Yeng Guiao last month.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said the 6-foot-11 big man is willing to put in the early work before the window starts in late February.
“He sent us word of his commitment for the next window,” said Panlilio. “In fact, he’s willing to come in early to get in top shape and to work with coach Yeng Guiao and understand his system.”
Blatche, who averaged 11.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, was eligible to play for Gilas in the game against Iran but in the previous window but Guiao opted for Fil-German Christian Standhardinger as the naturalized player.