HIGHLY-touted Fil-Am Remy Martin reiterated his desire to play for Gilas Pilipinas now and in the future.
The 28-year-old Martin, an integral part of the University of Kansas Jayhawks that won the 2022 US NCAA championship, said donning the national colors has been his fervent wish ever since he was a kid.
"That is a dream come true," he said. "That is bigger than making it to the NBA."
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Martin is suiting up for Strong Group Athletics in the coming Jones Cup in Taipei, marking the first time he'll be representing her mother's native land in an international competition as part of a Philippine team.
He hopes the stint will eventually pave the way for him joining Gilas Pilipinas.
"I hope one day Gilas gives me the opportunity," said Martin. "I've been watching it (Gilas) since I was young and I always wanted to be in that type of a platform."
Martin first came on the Gilas Pilipinas radar in 2018 when then head coach Chot Reyes named him as part of the so-called '23 for 23' national pool for the country's campaign at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Unfortunately, the 6-footguard managed to get a Philippine passport after he turned 16 years old, making him ineligible to play as a local for the national team.
FIBA has since revisited its rule and and raised the passport acquisition cutoff age for non-restricted (local) player eligibility from 16 to 18 years old.
"If I had been dual (citizen) before 16, we have a stong case for it. I think it's just going through the right people and having people help me push it because there's no reason why I shoulnd't have a Gilas uniform," said Martin.
Martin said going to the Philippines always feels like home, disclosing he always comes here almost every year.
This homecoming eventually led to a first-ever stint for a Philippine team with SGA.
"I'm always grateful to play basketball, but it makes it so much special now that I get to play for the Philippines," said Martin. "I'm just excited. I just thank SGA for the opportunity and coach Charle (Tiu)."
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