RP five off to Belgrade; 'naturalized' bet dropped

MANILA, Philippines - American Chris Taft made good impression but failed to meet medical requirements and was subsequently cut from the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national squad even as the team leaves today for Belgrade.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala yesterday said they have dropped the 6-10 Taft from the list of candidates for naturalization.

“Upon due deliberation, the SBP has decided to cut Chris Taft from the lineup of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national team program,” said Eala. “Mr. Taft did not meet the physical and medical requirements of the team program.”

There were reports that the former Golden State Warrior had a hard time adjusting to the country’s weather and bothered by constant migraine attacks.

Taft, who arrived here last week, had attended practice but played only not longer than 30 minutes in scrimmages supervised by Smart Gilas Pilipinas Serbian coach Rajko Toroman. He left Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the Nationals leave today for Belgrade, Serbia for a series of tune-up games.

“The decision in keeping with our commitment not to trifle with the naturalization process while ensuring that only the most qualified candidate is selected for our Smart RP team,” Eala said.

“We are undaunted by this slight setback and remain confident that we will attain our short and long term objectives.

“Meantime, the team will depart for Belgrade (today) to train and play seven games versus the top division one and two Serbian teams,” he said.

Eala said they’ve now contacted their international scouts Steve Olinick and Jim Kelly to resume search for Taft’s replacement.

“We’re starting from scratch and we’ve now informed our scouts to start looking again. Coach Toroman has also called on his people in Serbia because we’re also entertaining tapping European imports,” Eala said.

Eala said if the SBP couldn’t find a foreign player who wants a long-term relationship with RP, they might settle for someone who can agree for a short-term stint specifically one who will reinforce the squad in the import-laced FIBA-Asia Champions Cup this May in Jakarta, Indonesia.