NBA pair of McGee, Blatche to fortify Gilas bid

MANILA, Philippines — Pending the approval of two naturalization bills by Congress, Gilas Pilipinas will be reinforced by either JaVale McGee or Andray Blatche in the World Championship in Spain and the Asian Games in South Korea later this year.

Antipolo Rep. Robbie Puno filed House Bills 3783 and 3784 seeking the naturalization of McGee and Blatche, respectively, as either one would take over Marcus Douthit for the Nationals.

It was also Puno who sponsored the bill that led to the naturalization of Douthit, who helped the country get back to the world stage after close to four decades by finishing second to Iran in the Fiba Asia Championship last year.

“We all saw what Marcus Douthit did for the Philippine team in the Fiba Asia last year,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chair Manny V. Pangilinan. “McGee and Blatche can further strengthen Gilas and boost our chances in Spain.”

The SBP has until June 30 to submit its roster for the World Championship.

“JaVale and Andray were chosen for their unique combination of size and skill, plus the all-important factor of wanting to play for the Philippines,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes.

“Both can play but we will have to pick only one per tournament.”

The 26-year-old McGee, a Denver Nuggets regular, is an agile 7-footer who has been one of the NBA’s leading shot blockers since 2008, while the 6-11 Blatche is a demon off the offensive boards.