Fil-Canadian Wright keeps focus on ABL stint amid Gilas, PBA talks

Fil-American Matthew Wright is making waves in the Asean Basketball League. Photo from aseanbasketballleague.com

KUALA LUMPUR — Fil-Canadian prospect Matthew Wright is keeping his options open before making his next move.

Wright is a former Philippine national youth team member, played in the US NCAA Division I out of St. Bonaventure and is currently making a name for himself in the ASEAN Basketball League for the Westports Malaysia Dragons.

And whether the 25-year-old Wright decides to stay for one more year in the ABL, show his talents to Manila in the PBA and Gilas Pilipinas or go elsewhere is yet to be decided.

READ: Filipinos crucial in Malaysia Dragons ABL title bid vs Singapore Slingers

“To be honest, I haven’t thought that far ahead yet,” Wright told Filipino reporters during lunch at the Malaysian capital’s upscale area not far away from Chinatown when asked of his immediate plans. “We’ve been pretty invested in the season like that’s all we’ve been thinking lately. Everything else will take care of itself after the season is done. Me and other players know that the fate of our future careers depends on how well we do in our next couple of games.”

The Dragons are about to figure in a best-of-five Finals duel with the Singapore Slingers beginning Friday night at MABA Stadium here.

Ever since the season started, Wright’s main focus is to help his team win its first ABL title but he admits playing in the PBA has been at the back of his mind.

READ: ABL making an impact in regional basketball scene

“Growing up, it’s always in my mind. I grew up playing in Filipino leagues in Toronto so since I was a kid, everyone’s talking about the PBA. Obviously, it’s on my mind. My agent he specializes more in Europe. He really doesn’t know the Asian basketball market too well but luckily, I’ve met some people like Charlie (Dy) he’s a big time agent in the Philippines and I’ve met other people who are willing to help me out if I choose to go that road.”

“I’m trying to keep as many options open as possible. I’m not trying to burn any bridges.I’m just saying I’m focused on the PBA but obviously with my passport and the fact that I’ve had history in the Philippines I’ve played there before, theoretically, PBA is so far like the best option for me but it’s too early to tell.”