The patience of Gilas Pilipinas management as far as Andray Blatche is concerned was tested anew yesterday after the naturalized player failed to board a Manila-bound flight on Thursday, further raising concerns whether he is fit to play for the team in next week’s SEABA Championship.
Gilas team manager and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) deputy director for international affairs Butch Antonio confirmed the latest delay, adding that he was given assurance that Blatche would finally be in town today.
“Blatche didn’t board last night (Thursday),” Antonio said in a text message yesterday. “They (Blatche’s handlers) say tonight again, he’ll arrive tomorrow naman if ever.”
The 6-foot-11 center was originally scheduled to arrive last Tuesday, but reportedly asked Gilas mentor Chot Reyes to reschedule his arrival to attend the christening of his first newborn son.
Reyes, however, was not pleased with the turn of events particularly with the SEABA tourney getting closer. The event starts on May 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I am very upset with the unfolding of events. Andray knows it and his handlers know it,” Reyes said last Tuesday.