Gilas import to show true worth in invitational

MANILA, Philippines - Marcus Douthit made quite an impression in a couple of practice sessions with the Smart Gilas national team. But coach Rajko Toroman and the rest of the team still want to see the American import’s real stuff in a real game.

“We have to check him play. Practice is one thing, playing the game in real competition is another thing. But so far, I’m satisfied,” said Toroman.

Douthit is Smart Gilas’ top prospect for naturalization with team officials raring to see him play to determine whether he fits the bill for the kind of naturalized player the team needs for the Asian Games in November.

He will have that chance next week when he reinforces Smart Gilas in the four-day, five-team MVP Invitational slated June 24-27 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Also in the fold are the Jordanian national team, the Chinese Basketball Association’s Dong Guan and the PBA’s Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text.

After a two-day practice with the Nationals, Toroman, manager Frankie Lim, captain Chris Tiu were all impressed with the 6-10, 30-year-old Douthit, a veteran of the European league and a former LA Lakers draftee.

“He’s a very clever big guy, good passer, good basketball sense, knows how to use space inside,” Toroman said.

“He looks good, has post moves, has good medium range shot, a decent passer and could read the floor well. He looks really promising,” Lim said.

“He has high basketball IQ, a good passer, decent post moves, nice touch from mid-range and experienced player. So far, he blends well,” said Tiu.

“Let’s hope he has a good work ethic as well. Let’s pray this is the guy for us,” he said.

“I checked his background from one of my friends who coached him in Croatia. This coach is very strict, but he hasn’t had a single problem with Marcus,” Toroman said.

If Douthit passes the test in the MVP Invitational, he is expected to join the team in the William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei next month, the Stankovic Cup in Lebanon in August and perhaps the Guangzhou Games.