TEAM Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao bared an option of bringing in a new naturalized player for the national squad for the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Guiao said selecting a new naturalized player is also one of the options to improve the national squad following two losses in the recent window of the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Guiao though made it clear that bringing in either Andray Blatche or Justin Brownlee or sticking with Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle are still very much options heading into the last window in February next year.
“Do we call on Andray Blatche now and prepare for the next window, or do we push for Justin Brownlee to be naturalized through legislation?” said Guiao on Thursday on the sidelines of the SPIN.ph Sportsman of the Year award ceremony.
“Is there time to do that or do we push for another option? A third option. The fourth option is to stay with Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle,” Guiao said.
When asked if the third option is bringing in a new naturalized player, Guiao said “Yes” although he didn’t mention names.
Guiao though said getting a new naturalized player will take some time.
“That is something that we will also talk about. Pero may time constraints. Kailangan kumilos agad,” said Guiao.
Blatche has expressed willingness to still don the national colors through his social media account. Recently, Blatche said he, Terrence Romeo, and Calvin Abueva are ready to be recalled to the Philippine national team.
“Three of us are missing. I’m sure they (are) ready as well. Let’s do what needs to be done,” Blatche said.
As for getting Brownlee, Guiao said that will take a lesser time since the Barangay Ginebra import’s naturalization process have already began.
“Mas mabilis siguro ‘yung Brownlee kasi nasa pipeline na ‘yun eh. Kailangan i-fasttrack. Maybe we need to talk to the Congressmen, supporters, and Senators para mapabilis ‘yung process na ‘yun.”