Gilas Pilipinas holds quick practice ahead of Andray Blatche arrival

Gilas Pilipinas players attend practice on Thursday. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas just had a quick walkthrough session on Thursday as the team prepares for the arrival of naturalized center Andray Blatche.

The national team practice at Meralco Gym only ran for a little more than 30 minutes with Caloy Garcia calling the shots on behalf of head coach Yeng Guiao, who was attending to a personal matter.

In attendance were big men June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, and Poy Erram, wings Gabe Norwood, Troy Rosario, Matthew Wright, CJ Perez, Paul Lee, and Roger Pogoy.

Guards Kiefer Ravena and Robert Bolick were also present.

“The instructions of coach Yeng was to just let the players go through the plays that we were running just to refresh them of what we’re doing,” said Garcia. ”He just wanted us to walkthrough the plays so they could memorize it.”

Blatche is expected to arrive in the country on Sunday and join the Gilas buildup on Monday.

Garcia added that they chose not to hold a heavy practice session since some of the players played crucial games in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup this week.

Fajardo, Lee, and Wright’s teams are all vying for playoff spots and San Miguel, Magnolia, and Phoenix are a loss or two away from missing the playoffs.

Wright’s Fuel Masters are at no. 8 with a 4-6 record while Fajardo’s Beermen are at seventh at 4-5. Lee’s Hotshots hold the sixth spot in the standings with a 5-5 record.