The Washington Wizards selected Andray Blatche with the 49th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft following his standout tenure at the South Kent School. Emerging from Syracuse, New York, he transitioned directly from a high-achieving high school career into a professional basketball trajectory that spanned the National Basketball Association and several seasons of international competition in China and the Philippines.
Early Career and Washington Wizards
Blatche attended Henninger High School for four years before moving to the South Kent School in Connecticut for a final campaign, where he averaged 27.5 points and 16.0 rebounds per game. After being drafted by Washington in 2005, his rookie season was delayed by a carjacking injury. He spent time with the Roanoke Dazzle before rejoining the Wizards, eventually establishing himself as a starter. However, his relationship with the franchise soured by 2012, leading to his release via the amnesty clause.
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In September 2012, Blatche joined the Brooklyn Nets, choosing the jersey number zero to represent perceived abandonment. He contributed as a key rotation player during Brook Lopez’s injuries, participating in all 82 regular-season games during his first season with the club. Following two years in Brooklyn, he pursued opportunities abroad, signing with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association in 2014. His time in China proved productive, as he helped the team secure a championship title after sweeping the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 2017.
Naturalization and Global Play
In June 2014, Blatche became a naturalized citizen of the Philippines, a move that qualified him for the country's national basketball team. This citizenship facilitated his participation in several major international tournaments, including the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship, and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Following his long tenure in Xinjiang, he concluded his documented professional play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Tianjin Gold Lions during the 2018-2019 season.
Fast facts
- Born: 1986, Syracuse
- High School: Henninger High School and South Kent School
- NBA Draft: 2005, 49th overall pick
- Primary NBA Teams: Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets
- Citizenship: United States and Philippines
- CBA Achievement: 2017 Championship with Xinjiang Flying Tigers
Questions readers ask
Why did Andray Blatche choose to wear the number zero?
He wore number zero with the Brooklyn Nets to symbolize the feeling that others had given up on his professional potential.
How did Blatche become eligible to play for the Philippines?
He became a naturalized citizen of the Philippines in June 2014, which allowed him to join the national basketball team for international competitions.
