Blatche sidelined by prostatitis, not groin injury

MANILA, Philippines -- Doctors ruled out Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Andray Blatche’s groin injury, saying the former NBA big man has been bugged by an infection of the prostate or what is commonly known as prostatitis.

Gilas’ physical therapist Dexter Aseron said Blatche’s MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) result revealed no strain or serious injury on the 6-foot-10 slotman’s right groin.

“Nothing was seen sa MRI. The doctors said everything is okay, the joints are okay kaya alam ko kaagad di siya strain, but it’s prostatitis,” Aseron told Philstar.com, shortly after the national team’s practice on Tuesday at the Meralco gym.

Aseron said they brought Blatche’s MRI result to a surgeon at the Makati Medical Center instead of Cardinal Santos Medical Center as earlier reported, to have it evaluated.

The Gilas therapist said the 28-year-old Blatche will be taking medicine for the next few days and will hopefully be available for practice by Friday.

“Wala namang nakitang iba sa kanya (Blatche), pero binigyan siya ng doctor ng meds

hopefully maayos na rin and sana, by Friday puwede na siya mag-join ng practice,” he added.

Meantime, Gilas coach Tab Baldwin said by taking medication the next few days, he’s confident that Blatche will be back soon in practice and get the needed practice hours to jell with the rejigged national team roster.

“The doctors will handle that, and will give him the medication he needs. So now, I’m gonna leave that up to the expert’s hands,” said the veteran international coach.

“I don’t think he’ll be out too long with that.”

Other than Blatche, Gilas’ woes have deepened as GlobalPort young guard Terrence Romeo will be out for the next few days after due to viral infection.

Veteran gunner Dondon Hontiveros, on the other hand, had to rest due to a left calf muscle strain.

Meantime, veteran Gilas mainstay Ranidel de Ocampo will be out for a couple more days to recover from a hamstring injury.