GILAS INVITES BROWNLEE, OLIVER
Gilas Pilipinas wants to integrate prospects Justin Brownlee and Cameron Oliver into the national team program even while their naturalization is still being processed.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios said the duo may be called to the once-a-week practices of the Gilas pool initially consisting of seven PBA stalwarts led by June Mar Fajardo to get their feet wet.
“Pati sila (Brownlee and Oliver) if available, malamang imbitahan nila coach Chot (Reyes) kahit hindi pa sila naturalized, if only for familiarity with the system,” Barrios said on CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk. “Not necessarily to scrimmage, kahit present lang will be a big thing.”
The SBP has submitted the names of the Ginebra resident import and TNT reinforcement to legislators as candidates for naturalization, hoping the processes could be fast-tracked to allow them to suit up in Gilas campaigns soon.
Gilas is currently preparing for its next set of away games in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in November against Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
The SBP named the two-time FIBA World Cup veteran Fajardo and San Miguel Beer teammate CJ Perez, RR Pogoy and Poy Erram of TNT and Season 46 MVP Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Arvin Tolentino of Barangay Ginebra to the initial pool for the November window.
“These PBA players are being planned to be included after Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes reached an agreement with management of San Miguel Beer, Ginebra and TNT on the availability of these players for the coming FIBA window,” the SBP said.
According to the SBP, Fajardo and Co. will be joined by “available players from the Japan B. League and several other players from the UAAP and the national training pool.”
“The SBP is set to announce the other members of the pool once their availability is confirmed,” it said.