Andray Blatche took another step towards becoming a naturalized citizen of the Philippines Monday, which would allow the Nets big man to play on an international stage this fall.
The Filipino Senate unanimously passed a bill to approve Blatche becoming a naturalized citizen, with the only remaining step being President Benigno S. Aquino III signing the bill into law, which he is expected to do. That would allow Blatche, who is from Syracuse, to become a member of the Filipino national basketball team.
Blatche, who averaged 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds this season off the bench, would easily be the best player on the Filipino team, which will be one of 24 competing in the FIBA World Cup — formerly known as the World Championships — in Spain during August and September. The 6-foot-11 Blatche will be an unrestricted free agent this summer after serving as a productive reserve each of the past two seasons in Brooklyn.