Andray Blatche confirms return to PH national squad

Naturalized player Andray Blatche confirmed that he is returning to the Philippine national basketball team, after the squad suffered a couple of setbacks in their quest to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

"It’s confirmed!" the former NBA player said in FIBA's official website.





"I will be back to play for the Philippines in February! Can’t wait to win these two games for the best fans in the world."

Al Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, previously told ABS-CBN News that Blatche was keen to wear the national colors for the final pair of World Cup qualifying games in February.

Panlilio had said the SBP was "talking" to Blatche and expressed hope that he could rejoin the team.

"He sent us word of his commitment for the next window. In fact, he is willing to come in early to get in top shape and to work with coach Yeng (Guiao to) understand his system," Panlilio said in a text message.

The versatile center served a 3-game suspension for his involvement in the Gilas-Australia brawl in July.

He was qualified to play against Iran earlier this month, but was cut from the pool by coach Guiao.