THE final lineup of the Philippine men’s basketball team competing in the FIBA Asia Cup will be known today, but the biggest question still remains unanswered: Is Andray Blatche included in the final roster?
Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio had yet to make any confirmation whether they’ve already reached an agreement with our naturalized player or use Fil-German Christian Standhardinger, our back up naturalized player, for the FIBA Asia Cup.
Mr. Antonio told BusinessWorld last Friday that they are still undergoing negotiations with the former Brooklyn Nets player. Gilas Pilipinas will need to submit its final 12 today.
Mr. Blatche started playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2014 World Cup and since then, he had represented the Philippines in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, the 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournament last year and the SEABA Championship a few months ago.
His inclusion in Gilas Pilipinas this year is crucial, especially now that teams from Oceania like Australia and New Zealand are now included in the Asian region, making the task a lot more challenging for the Filipinos. — Rey Joble
