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Blatche signs contract with Gilas for Olympic qualifiers

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2015/sports/11/11/blatche-100215.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Andray Blatche</div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA -- Naturalized player Andray Blatche will once again join Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament in July.National team manager Butch Antonio confirmed that the former NBA player has already agreed to help Gilas in its campaign to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.His contract will extend all the way to the Rio Olympics in August.“He’s signed up already,” Antonio told Reuben Terrado in a report on sports website <a href="http://www.spin.ph/basketball/fiba/news/andray-blatche-agrees-to-new-deal-to-spearhead-gilas-quest-for-olympic-spot-in-manila-qualifier#2KeMXzIOTFk5KeT3.99">Spin</a>Antonio said they expect Blatche to arrive in the country on May 15.The Philippines is set to face France and New Zealand in Group B when the Olympic qualifying tournament begins on July 5 in Manila.<div><a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2016/03/29/gilas-pilipinas-continue-preparations-manila-oqt-10102">READ: Gilas Pilipinas continue preparations for Manila OQT</a></div>Blatche’s presence will be a big boost for the Philippines, which last qualified for the Olympics in 1972.In a separate <a href="http://www.spin.ph/basketball/fiba/news/butch-antonio-andray-blatche-gilas-pilipinas-basketball-fiba-commitment#384PEPhzwvQk4Lv5.99">Spin</a> report by Karlo Sacamos, Antonio said they didn&#x27;t have a hard time negotiating with the former Brooklyn Nets player.“Let’s not get into the details of it, but I think it was fair,” Antonio said. “When we came to terms, it was just a formality. It wasn’t that difficult.”“I’m really glad it’s over and done with. Andray is really on board already and we’re just looking forward to have him joining the team in May.”Blatche&#x27;s camp promised that the 6-foot-11 power-forward/center will be in superb playing shape for the qualifiers.“That has always been brought up during the discussion with Andray’s handlers,” Antonio said. “They say that he’ll be training from now until May in the States. Hopefully he’ll be better [in shape].”For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Naturalized player Andray Blatche will once again join Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament in July.

Naturalized player Andray Blatche will once again join Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament in July.