Bill seeking naturalization of NBA center JaVale McGee filed

NBA Center JaVale McGee. AFP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The dream of having NBA stalwart JaVale McGee representing the Philippines could become a reality.

A bill seeking to grant the high-flying NBA center a Philippine citizenship has been filed Tuesday by Antipolo City Representative Roberto V. Puno in a move to boost the line-up of the national basketball team.

Puno, who also initiated 6-foot-10 center Marcus Douthit’s naturalization two years ago, sponsored House Bill No. 6169 before the Fifteenth Congress.

McGee, who helped the Denver Nuggets push the Los Angeles Lakers to their limit before falling short in Game 7 of the recent NBA playoffs, visited the country twice last year with the support of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas and the MVP Sports Foundation.

McGee’s naturalization, though, isn’t certain as it would still have to undergo due process.