SBP eyes 2 more naturalized players

Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand in a FIBA OQT match at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is looking to naturalize at least two more players to form a pool that would reinforce Gilas Pilipinas in the coming World Cup qualifying tournaments.

SBP president Al Panlilio said yesterday that Andray Blatche would remain as an option and that “a decision needs to be done (on Blatche) because there are a lot of things happening with Andray.”

Panlilio made the announcement at halftime of the Game 6 duel between Barangay Ginebra and the Meralco Bolts at Araneta Coliseum.

Panlilio and the PBA also named the 12 members of the Gilas Cadet pool who will join the coming PBA Draft, and they are: Mac Belo, Carl Cruz, Ed Daquioag, Russell Escoto, Kevin Ferrer, Jio Jalalon, Von Pesumal, Roger Pogoy, Mike Tolomia, Arnold Van Opstal, Matthew Wright, and Alfonso Agodatera.

Those players will be selected in a special draft but will be made available by their respective pro teams for every international tournament that Gilas takes part in.

Each PBA team is also mandated to release one of its regular players to the national team, making for a total of 25 which returning coach Chot Reyes can choose from.