Andray the giant: Returning Blatche comes up big for Fiba World Cup-bound Gilas Pilipinas

Andray Blatche. Photo from Fiba.com

Andray Blatche returned for the Philippines in the sixth and final window of the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers after missing the last four games.

Blatche made sure everyone would know that he’s back.

The former NBA veteran was at his absolute best for Gilas Pilipinas in its most crucial stretch playing a pair of knockout games against Qatar and Kazakhstan on the road.

He got things going with an all-around performance in a 84-46 demolition of Qatar two days ago where he collected 17 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.

🤔Was this @drayblatche's best peformance ever in 🇵🇭#Gilas uniform🎽?
41pts 13rbs 3ast 4stl 2blk 👏 #FIBAWC #ThisIsMyHouse @officialSBPinc pic.twitter.com/sATXC2JCNU

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) February 24, 2019

The 32-year-old Blatche then, followed it up with a scintillating shooting display against Kazakhstan, which simply had no answer for the versatile big man.

Blatche lit up the Kazakhs with 41 points, 17 coming in the first six minutes of the game. He also had 13 rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks despite being saddled with foul trouble.

READ: Blatche has 41, Gilas books ticket to Fiba World Cup

The two wins over Qatar and Kazakhstan coupled by Korea’s victory over Lebanon propelled the Philippines to its second straight Fiba World Cup appearance.

READ: Gilas gets help from rival Korea to make World Cup

The 6-foot-11 Blatche was out for the Philippine team after serving a three-game suspension for his participation in the ugly brawl against Australia last July. He was also left out of the national team pool for the fifth qualifying window.