Blatche makes Gilas a favorite for FIBA Asia gold, says ex-coach Chot Reyes

Former national team coach Chot Reyes is confident that the Gilas Pilipinas can bring home the country's first FIBA Asia gold medal since 1985 when the squad competes in China in September.

 

With the presence of naturalized big man Andray Blatche in the team's front court, the Philippines has a real shot at the title, which comes with a ticket to the 2016 Olympics, Reyes said in a press luncheon at Fairmont, Makati City on Tuesday.

 

"We have an excellent chance," he said. "If we're able to get Andray Blatche, we should be one of the favorites to win the gold medal.

 

"I think that's a consensus that even the rest of Asia shares," he added.

 

The 6-foot-11 center-forward played for the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain last year, but was not able to see action in the Asian Games due to eligibility issues.

 

He recently had a stint in the Chinese league, but new Gilas coach Tab Baldwin assured that he will join the 12-man team the country will send to China.

 

Reyes said that Blatche, who played for the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, will be the crucial piece for a Gilas reign in FIBA Asia.

 

The coach added, however, that the host country will stand in their way along with 2013 gold medalists Iran.

 

"I've always said this, China is unbeatable in China," he said. "In my mind, the top three for the FIBA Asia are going to be China, Iran, and the Philippines."

 

Gilas Pilipinas is grouped with Palestine, Kuwait, and the winner of the East Asian qualifiers in the FIBA Asia draw, avoiding dangerous teams Kazakhstan, Qatar, and the Chinese team in the first round. —JST, GMA News