FIBA World Cup qualifiers: Blatche wants to ‘come in early,’ learn Yeng system

As talk online surfaced Thursday of Andray Blatche's impending return to the Philippines men's national basketball team, the Gilas Pilipinas big man is apparently eager to show his commitment to the squad by showing up early for training camp, a top basketball official said.

Blatche can play again in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers after carrying out a 3-game suspension for his involvement in the Gilas-Australia brawl in July.

He was eligible to see action against Iran earlier this month, but was dropped from the pool by coach Yeng Guiao.

Al Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, told ABS-CBN News that Blatche is keen to wear the national colors for the final pair of World Cup qualifying games in February.

Panlilio said the SBP is "talking" to Blatche and hopes that he is a go.

"He sent us word of his commitment for the next window. In fact, he is willing to come in early to get in top shape and to work with coach Yeng (Guiao to) understand his system," Panlilio said in a text message.

Gilas has lost all but one of its past four games, putting at risk the Filipinos' chances of advancing to the World Cup in China, which runs August 31 to September 15.

The Philippines' last two games are away to Qatar on February 21 and Kazakhstan on February 24.

Ryan Gregorio, special assistant to Panlilio, said in an interview posted on the TV5/ESPN website that the sport's national governing body is still processing Blatche's return.

"As far as the SBP is concerned, we are in touch with the agent of Andray to finalize plans to bring him in early," Gregorio said.

• FIBA World Cup: After loss to Iran, Guiao stands by decision leaving out Blatche

Guiao and his crew currently sit at fourth place in Group F with a 5-5 record.

The top 3 teams in groups E and F, along with the fourth-placed team with the best record, will advance to the World Cup. — With a report from Dominic Menor, ABS-CBN News

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)