THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is seeking the help of the Senate for the naturalization of Justin Brownlee and Cameron Oliver for the coming Fiba windows.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes revealed during Monday’s Senate committee hearing that Brownlee and Oliver have committed to being naturalized for the national team in international competitions.
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“They are willing and hopefully, they can complete [their papers],” said Reyes during the Senate committee hearing. “Ang alam namin si Brownlee, kumpleto na ‘yung papers. Si Cameron Oliver is in the process of completing all the requirements for naturalization.”
The move could revive the process of Brownlee’s naturalization after he was identified as a candidate years ago .
Coach Chot Reyes and SBP president Al Panlilio hope to beef up Gilas ahead of the next qualifying windows of the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Oliver, meanwhile, is a new candidate for naturalization. Listed at 6-foot-8, the Univerity of Nevada product is set to play for TNT in the Commissioner’s Cup.
SBP president Al Panlilio hopes that the naturalization process could proceed as soon as possible so at least one player could join Gilas in the November window of the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asia qualifiers.
Panlilio noted the importance of bringing a naturalized player for the international competitions especially with the unavailability of Jordan Clarkson in the Fiba competitions.
“We ask the help to facilitate the naturalization process to cover certain windows were for example Jordan Clarkson will not be available. We know that there is a November window coming. I know it’s very tight so the request is to have one by that time,” said Panlilio.
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