Former Gilas Pilipinas Basketball coach Chot Reyes believes that the failure of Andray Blatche to play for Philippine Basketball Team in Jones Cup 2015 is a blessing in disguise. Reyes deduces that Asian opponents were not able to scout Blatche playing together with the full strength of the RP Team.

“It could be a blessing in disguise. With his absence there, he was not exposed and was not scouted by the opposition,” Reyes was quoted in a report by PhilStar.com

The only negative impact that the national coaching staff sees is the cohesion of the team with the NBA veteran. However, it must be noted that Blatche is very well versed with the dribble drive system of Gilas. What could be cause for alarm is the physical fitness of Andray who was visibly sluggish in their Estonia pocket tournament.

Coach Tab Baldwin strategy is to have Blatche reimmersed to the system as they continue training for the Changsha tilt.

A healthy Blatche will surely give a ton of headache to opposition giants with the likes of Hamed Haddadi, Quincy Davis, Ha Seung Jin and Yi Jian Lian. Blatche is a triple threat since he can pass, shoot outside and drive to the basket with ease. A rare bigman who can play like a small forward.

“Kapag na kundisyon yan (if Andray is in perfect shape for FIBA Asia), we’ll surely be a title contender,” Reyes was quoted by PhilStar.co on the reintegration of Blatche to the national squad.

With regard to the Gilas 3.0 Final 12, Reyes twitted, “This is OUR team. They fight for US. Our only response should be Laban Pilipinas, PUSO.”