House OKs NBA center's naturalization for Gilas Pilipinas

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the bill granting Filipino citizenship to NBA player Andray Blatche.

Approved late Monday, House Bill 4084 aims to naturalize Blatche as he is being eyed as the other reinforcement for Gilas Pilipinas, which will compete in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain this August.

Antipolo City Rep. Roberto Puno, one of the bill's authors, said Blatche's naturalization is also in line with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' continuing program of maximizing the eligibility of naturalized players.

"If granted the opportunity to play for the Philippines, Blatche will, undoubtedly, be an invaluable asset to the national team," Puno said in the explanatory note of his original vesrion, which was substituted by House Bill 4084.

The 28-year old Blatche stands 6'11" and currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 11.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

Puno said Gilas Pilipinas needs to reinforce its strength in the global basketball arena to have a solid fighting chance in this year's FIBA World Cup.

He said this could only be accomplished if the Philippines naturalizes athletes, similar to what other countries have been doing.

"We need to naturalize at least two players to avoid jeopardizing the entire basketball program in the event of an injury to any one of our naturalized players. Also, the addition of another player will contribute to effective team development," Puno said.

Gilas Pilipinas' sole naturalized player is Marcus Douthit, who failed to suit up against Iran during the FIBA Asia gold medal game last year due to an injury.

Eventually losing to Iran, the Philippines placed second but still clinched a berth in the world championships.

The last time the country played in the FIBA World Championships was in 1978.