MANILA, Philippines – NBA legend Derrick Alston is fond of Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized center Andray Blatche and thinks the Brooklyn Nets center will be a dominant force for the team in the upcoming 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain on Aug. 30.
Alston told Philstar.com that he had the chance to work out Blatche before the 6'11 big man signed with the Nets.
"Dray can really play. I know him personally because I worked him out before he got to Brooklyn. He is a very talented player," said Alston.
The former Philadelphia 76er also cited Blatche’s mobility despite his size.
"He has skills like a guard even though he's 6'10, 6'11. He will be a tremendous help to the Philippines in the World Cup," he added.
Alston, who is in the country for the second time after the NBA Global Games last year as part of the Houston Rockets coaching staff, expressed confidence that Blatche can adjust his game to the international level.
"He has that international game because he is not just a post player or a guy on the wing. If you put somebody small on him, he can post him up. If you put a bigger guy, he can drive or pass from the post," he further said.
The 41-year-old Alston is well aware of the Philippines’ qualification in the quadrennial meet that will convene in Spain late this month.
"That just shows you the growth of basketball in this country. It's been 30 years. Now you're there and the next target is to place or maybe get a medal, and the younger generation will see that is now the goal," he said.
Asked what advice he would give Gilas Pilipinas, Alston wants the Philippine cagers to embrace their strengths and give their all for the country.
"You can’t come in the game and think we're a small team. They just got to compete. I'm sure the coaches will have a great game plan to use the strength of the team, which are speed and quickness," he said.
"It's hard to play against smaller faster teams and I'm sure they are not scared and they will give it their all to play for their country," he added.
Alston along with WNBA legend Allison Feaster came to the country last week for a series of basketball clinics for Yolanda survivors and the Philippines Wheelchair national basketball team.
"Coming back here as a sports envoy has been great and to get out to hang out with the kids, to teach them basketball and see the passion they have for the sport of basketball, it will surely grow even more," said Alston
“I want to thank all the people here in the Philippines for the warm reception for having and accepting me, I hope I can come back here soon," he ended.