BAP-SBP  mulls stint of naturalized players

The BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is considering the idea of tapping naturalized players for the national team since there’s no rule against it in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

“This is a delicate issue but our people must understand that no less than the world body is encouraging its member nations to take advantage of this rule,” said SBP executive director Patrick Gregorio.

“Even world powers USA and Russia have been fielding naturalized players. Russia topped the recent FIBA Europe championship with its naturalized player hitting the deciding free throws in the closing seconds,” Gregorio added.

Gregorio noted Hakeen Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing and Tim Duncan were among naturalized Americans who had donned the US colors in an international tournament.

If ever, Gregorio, however, assured they would not get basketball mercenaries but naturalized players who have affinity to the country.

This particular rule has changed the basketball landscape in Asia.  Arab teams emerged as new powers with their aggressive recruitment of players from abroad.

Incidentally, the Philippines had its last Asian championship in 1986 behind a team featuring naturalized players Dennis Still, Jeff Moore and Chip Engelland.

In the last FIBA-Asia championship in Tokushima, Lebanon, Jordan and Japan were among teams which fielded naturalized players.

It’s also noted that several Asian teams are relying on foreign coaches. Among teams with foreign coaches are China, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Qatar.

National coach Chot Reyes himself is keen on recruiting a naturalized player.

In fact, he has one prospect – a 21-year-old seven-footer he met during the RP team’s trip in Belgrade last year.

Gregorio, on the other hand, is pointing to the likes of Sam Ekwe, a foreign player who can relate with the Filipinos.

The SBP in partnership with Tao Corp. and Nokia Philippines has just launched an ambitious bid to make the Olympics in London in 2012.

The federation has put up a youth program and is hoping to have a tie-up with the PBA, running a parallel program for the elite competitions.

“The idea is to prepare the youth team for the elite championships by 2011. But at the moment, we still need the help of the PBA. If they can’t run the program, we’ll be happy if they can lend their expertise and their players. We’ll be the one to look for the patron,” said Gregorio.

The SBP executive director said Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero is willing to fund the team’s campaign in the next Asian Games.  – Nelson Beltran