Strong Group’s Andray Blatche practices with his squad ahead of the Dubai International Basketball Championships. Handout/Strong Group Athletics.MANILA — Andray Blatche and Strong Group Athletics will have another shot at glory in this year’s Dubai International Basketball Championship later this month.
After their 77-74 buzzer-beating heartbreak against Al Riyadi in the tilt’s 33rd edition in 2023, Blatche and SGA are ramping up their preparations in hopes of bouncing back from their loss and giving the country another basketball title at the international level.
“We had two practices so far, with SGA,” said the former Gilas Pilipinas big man at the sidelines of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup faceoff between the TNT Tropang GIGA and the Converge FiberXers on Saturday.
“We’re getting ready for the Dubai tournament. I’m loving it, and there’s some guys from last year,” he added.
Aside from Blatche, among those who will return are Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Ange Kouame, Allen Liwag, and Tony Ynot, and proving SGA added firepower in their redemption bid this year is four-time NBA All-Star, former Sacramento Kings main man DeMarcus Cousins.
“Me and him played a lot together back when we were younger, high school,” said Blatche of his fellow former NBA veteran. “I feel like this is going to be tough for teams to cover definitely because we both can shoot, both can handle the ball, and make smart passes."
However, this might just be Blatche’s first and last time to team up with "Boogie" as the former Brooklyn Net hinted about finally lacing up his kicks and ending his playing career.
“At this age, it’s almost over. At this point, it’s probably my last show actually,” said Blatche, who is now 38 years old.
“I’m getting to the age where it’s almost over. At this point, this might be my last show this year actually, I think this tournament might be my last tournament. Of course, we want to go out with a bang, go out there and win the championship,” he added.
But even with the uncertainty of Kuya Dray’s playing days, he would still want to help the Philippines if any coaching opportunities arise.
“If anything next, it’d be a little bit of coaching, you know,” he said. “I would love to [serve as Gilas assistant coach.] I could be their big man coach for the big guys,” he suggested.
Blatche and SGA will see action from January 24 until February 2 in Dubai alongside another Philippine team, the Zamboanga Valientes.