Can RHJ play for Gilas?

Before anyone asks Rondae Hollis-Jefferson whether he’s willing to play for Gilas or not, let’s determine if FIBA will allow a switch from representing Jordan to the Philippines as a naturalized player.

FIBA has a standing policy that a player may represent only one country in a lifetime. However, exceptions have been made upon appeal, particularly as in a general IOC rule, athletes may change country representation after a mandatory three-year waiting period and approval by the pertinent international sports federation.

Take golfer Yuka Saso, for instance. She represented the Philippines at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics then Japan at the 2024 Paris Games. Another example is swimmer Kayla Sanchez who took a silver in 4x100m freestyle and bronze in 4x100m medley for Canada at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics then competed for the Philippines at the 2024 Paris edition, setting a national record of 53.67 in 100m freestyle in the process. A third example is fencer Maxine Esteban who represented the Philippines in three SEA Games and switched to Ivory Coast at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Triple jumper Yamile Aldama represented Cuba at the 2000 Olympics, Sudan at the 2004 Olympics and UK at the 2012 Olympics. Track star Marlene Ottey switched from Jamaica to Slovenia and sprinter Favour Ofill transferred from Nigeria to Turkey.

In basketball, NBA player Eric Gordon represented USA at the 2010 FIBA World Cup then was permitted to suit up for the Bahamas at the 2024 Olympic Pre-Qualifying and Qualifying Tournaments. Mangok Mathiang saw action for Australia at the 2019 World Cup qualifiers and in 2023, was named to the South Sudan squad for the 2023 FIBA World Cup but failed to make the final roster.

Hollis-Jefferson, 30, has won three PBA championships in four conferences with TNT since 2023. He’s a three-time PBA Best Import awardee. RHJ was a naturalized player for Jordan at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and 2023 Asian Games. He declined to play for Jordan at the recent FIBA Asia Cup. Instead, RHJ came to Manila to conduct clinics at the grassroots level for TNT. He’ll team up with Justin Brownlee for Meralco in EASL this season. RHJ will rejoin TNT for the Governors’ and Commissioner’s Cups this coming season.

Brownlee, 37, is Gilas’ resident naturalized player, a role that’s exclusively his until he gives it up. A successor needs to be groomed at this time so when JB decides to let go, the transition will be smooth. Bennie Boatwright, 29, is a leading candidate and his naturalization process has been started. But it’s not certain if he’s serious in pursuing a slot on the Gilas lineup. He was recently signed to a contract in Taiwan.

RHJ would be a perfect successor. SBP could make a strong case for RHJ to play for Gilas particularly as he has shown a commitment to develop the game among the youth and played here since 2023. A switch from Jordan to the Philippines is justifiable but RHJ must first agree to be naturalized.