MANILA, Philippines—The search for a tall and talented naturalized player who will reinforce the men’s national team is proving to be a difficult task for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Executive director Noli Eala Thursday said the prospects recommended by scouts in the United States have failed to pass the standards of national team program director Rajko Toroman.

“They (scouts) have presented at least 15 foreign players who are willing to play for the national team but none of them made the grade,” said Eala. “We have them checked, but we’re not satisfied.”

Among those recommended were 6-foot-11 Terrence Gamble of Tarleton State University and 7-foot-3 Keith Closs, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Toroman, who led Iran to the 2008 Beijing Olympics for the first time in 60 years, wants at least a 6-9 player who won’t be 30 during the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championship.

The tournament serves as qualifying for the London Olympics.

“We need a strong rebounder and a very good defender,” said Toroman. “He doesn’t have to be spectacular but somebody who could control the paint for us.”