Andray Blatche on Gilas Pilipinas: 'We're one of the strongest teams'

 

Andray Blatche likes Gilas Pilipinas' chances to qualify for the 2016 Olympic basketball tournament.

 

The naturalized Filipino center arrived in the country on Sunday to begin training with the team for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, the qualifier for the Rio competition next year.

 

"I feel like we have one of the strongest teams," Blatche told reporters at the airport. "As long as we work hard and pay attention to detail, we should come up on top."

 

Blatche, a former Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets stalwart, was far and away the best player on the Gilas squad at last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup, where the Philippines booked its first victory in the world stage after 40 years. But he wasn't allowed to suit up for his new country in the Asian Games basketball tournament, leading to a disappointing finish for the Philippines.

 

With Blatche back in the lineup, the Philippines figures to be among the contenders in the FIBA Asia tilt, alongside host China and defending champion Iran. Gilas is hoping to do better than its silver medal finish in the 2013 edition of the tournament in Manila to qualify for the Olympics.

 

On Monday, the PBA released national coach Tab Baldwin's list of players he wishes to be included in the national pool.

 

The list includes Gilas stalwarts led by back-to-back Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Jayson Castro, Ranidel De Ocampo, Marc Pingris, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, and LA Tenorio, all of whom were part of the Philippine team that won silver in the tournament in 2013.

 

Rounding out the list are Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Kelly Williams, Asi Taulava, Terrence Romeo, Aldrech Ramos, JC Intal, Sonny Thoss, Dondon Hontiveros, and Calvin Abueva. —JST, GMA News