Andray Blatche will once again be part of Gilas Pilipinas in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and also in the 2016 Rio Olympic if we qualify.
Blatche already played for Philippines in 2 major tournaments: 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain and 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in China but this will be the 1st time that he will play with home-court crowd.
Watch Andray Blatche Gilas Pilipinas Highlights Video
According to Manny V. Pangilinan or MVP, FIBA made them choose between using Andray Blatche and Jordan Clarkson and the SBP and the Gilas Pilipinas Coaching Staff decided to stick with Blatche since choosing Clarkson will result in a more complicated process.
Statement of MVP during the FIBA OQT Press Conference:
Andray Blatche is set to arrive in Manila this May 15, 2016 and will practice with Gilas Pilipinas in preparation for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
FIBA posted that the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila will be the toughest draw with around 20 NBA players expected to play at the Mall of Asia Arena from July 5-10.
Teams that will compete in the FIBA OQT Manila:
Gilas Pilipinas had their 1st practice in 2016 last Monday, February 15 in preparation for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament which will be held here in Manila from July 5-10.
Watch Gilas Pilipinas 1st practice in 2016 Highlights Video
New Zealand also called Tall Blacks lost to Australia twice in the 2015 FIBA Oceania Championship and will face Gilas Pilipinas and France in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July 5-10.
Watch New Zealand 2015 FIBA Oceania Highlights Video
18 teams will compete in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for the last 3 spots in the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 3 FIBA OQT will be held in Manila, Italy and Serbia from July 4-10, 2016.
Watch 2016 FIBA OQT Preview Video
France finished with a Bronze Medal in the EuroBasket 2015 and will face Gilas Pilipinas in the opening day of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this July 2016. Read A look at France in the EuroBasket 2015
Watch France EuroBasket 2015 Highlights Video
Tony Parker is set to lead France in the 2016 FIBA Olympic QUalifying Tournament in Manila from July 5-10. According to reports, Tony Parker and his wife had reached an agreement that he will play in the Qualifying Tournament and in the Rio Olympics should they qualify and there is a possibility that he may miss the birth of his son this July.
Gilas Pilipinas will face France in the opening day of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena. View Gilas Pilipinas 2016 FIBA OQT Manila Schedule
Watch Tony Parker Highlights Video