Andray Blatche is thrilled to be back and return to his second home, this time suiting up for the Philippines’ Strong Group ahead of the 33rd Dubai International Championship which tips off in eight days on Jan. 19 to 28. 

Just when the Filipinos thought they have seen the last of the naturalized center, Blatche has kept the lines open whenever the opportunity comes knocking. 

“I always feel great. Ever since I first went to the team back in I believe, 2015, it’s going to be my second time going over to this tournament in Dubai. The first trip we won it, we won the championship so hopefully, we go back with the same results,” Blatche said. 

The 37-year-old had a forgettable stint in his last Gilas Pilipinas call-up as the Philippines finished dead-last among all 32 participating teams in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China. 

The following year, though, Blatche proved he was not to be discounted yet as the former NBA player steered the disbanded Mighty Sports to the top of the Dubai tourney and became the first non-Arab team to win it all in its 32nd edition. 

When Mighty Sports gave way to Strong Group as the country’s representative in the annual meet last year, the Charles Tiu-coached squad went another way and acquired former NBA stars Nick Young and Renaldo Balkman as its imports as they eventually wound up as quarterfinalists. 

With renewed role and partnership with the Philippines, Blatche along with former NBA star Dwight Howard, is looking forward to help the country win its second championship victory. 

Even after three years of separate paths, the American-born big man remained a Filipino by heart. 

“I feel great. I love it. It’s like my second home. You know, I haven’t been here in a couple of years but it still feels the same as it did,” he said. 

Blatche was also grateful to have his former Gilas teammates warmly welcome him back to the local shores for another international gig with country. 

“Majority of the (Gilas) guys reached out to me. I believe Gabe’s [Norwood] got a podcast, correct? He invited me to go on his podcast and we’ll do that, and Asi [Taulava], Matt [Wright], Japeth [Aguilar], I reached out to June Mar [Fajardo] too… They all reached out. They all said welcome back. I appreciate the love.”