MANILA, Philippines -- Naturalized Filipino center Andray Blatche will arrive on July 8 to take part in the Philippine national team's preparation for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Team manager Gabby Cui announced Thursday night that Blatche will arrive next month, but Gilas Pilipinas is already set to hold practices twice weekly starting next week.

"We've been in touch with Dray. He's staying in shape, he's working out a lot and he's been playing with as many teams as he can," said Cui.

"We can't wait to see him here on July 8, so he can be with us," he added.

• Coach Yeng Guiao sets tone for Gilas, as FIBA World Cup build-up starts

The national team convened on Thursday night at the Meralco Gym for a meeting with Coach Yeng Guiao, wherein the discussed the expectations for the team ahead of the World Cup.

Practices will officially start on Monday, and the team will go to Spain in August for a training camp.

"When we come back, hopefully we can play some more practice games, then we go to Foshan for the World Cup," said Cui.

The Philippines is in Group D together with Angola, Italy, and Serbia.

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