Blatche calls it a pro career

Andray Blacthe announced his retirement from professional basketball, a move that came a month after leading Strong Group Athletics to the semifinals of the 32nd Dubai International Basketball Championship.

In the Above the Rim podcast of fellow former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Dwight Howard, the 38-year-old former Gilas Pilipinas reinforcement expressed gratitude to the people who helped him soared from being a second-round draft choice in the 2005 NBA Draft to becoming a global superstar with two appearances in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Above the Rim said Blatche’s journey is nothing short of inspiring as his “hard work, dedication and love for the game had a lasting impact on every team you’ve played for and every fan you’ve entertained.”

“Congrats to Andray Blatche on an incredible 20-year career,” Above the Rim said in a social media post on Sunday where Blatche announced his retirement.

“Cheers to two decades of excellence, passion and resilience on the court. Here’s to the next chapter of your story above the rim. May your legacy continue to inspire future generation.”

A 6-foot-11 big man who has feathery shooting touch and impressive court vision and leadership, Blatche was drafted by the Washington Wizards with the 49th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.

He played in the Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets for nine seasons, averaging 10.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 23.7 percent from the three-point range in 564 games.

In 2014, he pulled off a shocker when he announced that he will be joining Gilas Pilipinas, which is preparing for the FIBA World Cup in Spain.

It was the Filipinos’ first stint in the world stage in 38 years and Blatche made it truly memorable as he powered them to exciting games against Puerto Rico, Greece, Croatia and Argentina before breaking through with a victory over Senegal. IVAN SUING