4 SEP 2015

Taipei Taiwan

 
File Photo courtesy of FIBA.com

NBA veteran Andray Blatche will not suit-up for the Philippines in the William Jones Cup 2015 in Taipei Taiwan. The former Nets center will miss the remaining games of Pilipinas Basketball in the Jones Cup and will be back late Sunday. The lone naturalized player of the Philippine Basketball Team will not be available as Gilas takes on USA Select and Taiwan B NT.

Filipino: Hindi na makapaglalaro ang beterano ng NBA na si Andray Blatche para sa koponan pambansa ng Pilipinas sa William Jones Cup 2015 sa Taipei Taiwan. Sadyang kulang na sa oras para makahabol pa ang dating sentro ng Nets sa mga natitira pang laro ng mga Pilipino sa Jones Cup. Bagamat nag-iisang naturalized na manlalaro ng mga Pilipino, hindi masasaklolohan ni Blatche ang mga kasama sa Gilas laban sa USA Select at Taiwan B NT.s.

Andray abruptly ended his training with Gilas national team to be with his sick mother and to attend the funeral of his uncle. According to PhilStar.com, he was supposed to book a flight and return Saturday to join the team here in Taipei, but had at the last minute rebooked to accompany his mom.

Moala Tautuaa ably held the fort of Gilas as temporary replacement of Blatche in the Jones Cup. The number one draft pick of Talk N Text in the PBA proved that he can play with the big men of international basketball. Unfortunately, Tautuaa may be limited to play only in unsanctioned tournaments with Gilas as long as Blatche is available. Mo is ineligible to play as natural Filipino in FIBA sanctioned games since he wasn’t able to declare his Filipino citizenship before the age of 16. Such declaration is now a vital requirement for players in all national teams.




It is also highly suspect if Andray will be in perfect shape in no time for the upcoming FIBA Asia Championship 2015. Blatche was visibly sluggish in the Estonia pocket tourney and not rejoining Gilas in Jones Cup may be much more detrimental to his physical fitness.

He can however still join RP Five in the MVP Cup in Manila on September 11-13. New Zealand and Taiwan NT will be joining that pocket tournament. Middle eastern powerhouse Lebanon withdrew earlier from the MVP Cup.

written by Rock Punzalan
Post your comments below.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the website. News posted is exclusive property of pilipinasbasketball.net. Due to constant content updates, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of posted information and will not take responsibility for any errors rendered therein. By viewing this website you agree to release pilipinasbasketball.net from any legal liabilities. However, all Graphics, Photos, Data and Logos from FIBA, SBP, Gilas, FIBA Asia, Olympics, Asiad, SEAG, SEABA, ABL, MICAA, PBA, PBA DLeague, PBL, NBA, UAAP, NCAA, CESAFI, NCRAA, CUSA, PCCL and other organizations are their respective copyright and property. This website does not host any external photos or videos in this domain. All other media, graphics, layout, design and materials in this website is copyright and property of pilipinasbasketball.net. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any needed correction, clarification, additional information or extra credits. Post a comment below or mail us at [philippinebasketballteam][@][gmail].[com]

One thought on “Andray Blatche to skip Jones Cup 2015

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

 up