Siniguro ni team manager Butch Antonio na kabilang si naturalized player Andray Blatche sa Gilas Pilipinas na sasabak para sa huling tiket ng Rio Olympics basketball.

Ayon kay Antonio, plantsado na ang lahat para sa paglagda ng bagong kontrata ng dating NBA player para pamunuan ng Gilas sa Olympic Qualifying Tournament na gaganapin sa Manila sa Hulyo.

“We’re close to sealing the deal. Sana within the week tapos na natin,” pahayag ni Antonio sa media na nagkokober ng ensayo ng Gilas sa Moro Lorenzo gym.

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“We’re very much in touch with his group. Hopefully, it’s done,” aniya.

Inaasahan ni coach Tab Baldwin na kasama na si Blatche sa grupo sa Mayo 15.

“I guess that’s the time when most everybody are finally on board, with the PBA ending on the 20th assuming it goes the full route,” ayon kay Antonio.

Wala nang alalahanin, higit at nasibak nang maaga sa Chinese basketball Association (CBA) ang koponang Xinjiang Flying Tigers kung saan naglalarong import ang 29-anyos na naturalized Pinoy.

“He’s excited na sa OQT and he wants to help us. Ang sa akin that’s more important than anything else. The willingness is there and that somehow, his heart remains with Gilas, which is a very big, big factor,” sambit ni Antonio.