Portland’s Robin Lopez open to playing for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines – Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez, who is currently in town for various NBA clinics and programs, has signified his interest in possibly joining Gilas Pilipinas in the future.

"If the Andray Blatche thing doesn't work out, tell the Gilas people I'm here," Lopez told Philstar.com/NBA.com Philippines Thursday after a training camp in Mandaluyong.

The Philippines currently has a naturalized center in former Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche, who has done great for the team in its recent FIBA World Cup campaign in Spain. It is a setup Lopez is also welcome to, if given the opportunity.

Lopez praised Blatche's exploits with the national team in the world tiff, where Gilas finished with a 1-4 record.

"I don't wish any harm to come with Dray or anything bad in the situation they are in now. Obviously he has played his heart out for that team and I think he is a great fit for Gilas," said the seven-foot Portland center.

Lopez shared that he was introduced to the Filipino culture at a very young age, citing Ryan Raypon a former PBA D-league player and high school varsity teammate as one of his best friends growing up.

"I realized the great passion the Filipino's have for basketball and one of my best friends Ryan Raypon is a Filipino. I've spent a lot of time with his family and I really love the culture and passion they have for the game," said Lopez.

Lopez along NBA legend Avery Johnson and Blazers' teammate Wesley Matthews supervised basketball clinics for the country’s top collegiate players at the Gatorade Hoops center in Mandaluyong.

The Stanford standout arrived in the Philippines last Monday and has been going around the city.

“I've been traveling a lot since I came here. We went to Eastwood last night and Greenhills. I watched an exhibition game between a Korean and PBA ball club. I'll try to go to the Fort tonight," said Lopez.

"I'm just having a good time here and I really enjoy the Philippines," he added.