Brooklyn Nets forward Andray Blatche, despite his claims, is not half-Filipino. But much like JaVale McGee, Blatche is not trying to let that small fact get in the way of playing for the national team. Per the Bergen Record:
“A lot of people don’t know, I’m half-Filipino,” Blatche said. “So I’m going to go back home. … No, I’m just messing with you.”
Blatche is not half-Filipino, but he is serious about joining the Filipino national team for this summer’s FIBA World Cup in Spain.
“I’m interested,” Blatche said. “So there’s a good chance of it happening. I”m looking at it [from the] standpoint where I can go somewhere I’ve never been before, and t’s an early head start to get ready for the season.”
Blatche was asked what playing for the Filipino national team would entail: “Basically just go over there and … just win,” he said. “Just play hoop. Whatever. I don’t know.”
Then, Blatche was asked if he’s even eligible to play for the Filipino national team. His response? “Am I? I’m not too quite sure about anything about it. They brought it to me and I was like, ‘Yeah, it sounds cool.’”
Coach Jason Kidd smiled and said it would be a good thing for all involved. “Why not?” Kidd said. Meanwhile, when Joe Johnson was asked if he knew that Blatche is half-Filipino, he broke into laughter.
“No,” Johnson said. “But I knew that he was full of sh–!”
