Gilas eyes NBA vets, ex-import

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas is looking at two NBA veterans and a former PBA import as candidates for naturalization and replacement for Jamal Sampson, who failed to meet the team officials’ expectations.

Earl Barron, a member of the 2006 NBA champion Miami Heat who suited up for Red Bull years ago, has been considered for inclusion to beef up the Filipinos’ ambitious Olympic bid.

The seven-foot Barron has averaged an impressive 13.6 points and 8.9 rebounds for the Iowa Energy in the NBA’s developmental league, the NBDL and should be the best bet since he’s only 28 years old.

Smart Gilas’ Serbian coach Rajko Toroman is also considering the 6-11 Courtney Sims, a 26-year-old forward who normed 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds for the University of Michigan Wolverines. He also played for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA two years ago.

Jamee Watkins, who suited up for Shell, has also been included in the short list of candidates.

Watkins churned out norms of 15.9 points, 10.1 caroms and 2.7 blocks in the current Chinese Basketball League season with the Jiangsu Dragons. But at 32, he could be too old for Smart Gilas, which is composed of the country’s top collegiate players.

Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim is currently in the US trying to arrange workout sessions with these three players with Toroman, who is expected to join Lim anytime this week.

The team has also tried out 6-10 Darian Townes.

Toroman, who steered Smart Gilas to a third place finish in the import-laden 21st Dubai Invitational despite playing practically all Filipino, said he is still weighing his options with regard to the selection of a naturalized import.

“I will look at all these players and see some more before we make a decision,” said Toroman.