GEORGE King, the prolific Blackwater import in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup, has expressed his intention to become a naturalized player and don the Gilas Pilipinas jersey.
The 30-year-old former NBA player admitted his desire to represent the country he described as ‘a place I enjoyed being in.’
“I would love to play for the national team. I would love to put on that blue and gold jersey on across No. 94,” said King Monday night as he played his final game for the Bossing this conference.
“I would love to do that, you know what I mean.”
READ: George King explodes for 64 as Blackwater exits with a bang
King made a lasting impression as Blackwater played out its last elimination game, scoring a new franchise record of 64 points, spiked by perfect 20-of-20 shooting from the free throw line.
He also hit 3-of-8 from four-point range, 2-of-5 on threes, and 18-of-35 overall from the field. At the same time, he grabbed 13 rebounds in the win that helped the Bossing finish their campaign at .500 (5-5).
A second round pick of the Phoenix Suns in the 2018 NBA Draft, the super scorer said has grown fond of the Philippines in the short time he’s been here. Because of that, becoming a part of its men’s basketball team thrills him no end, especially with the prospect of playing with another certain naturalized player who's showcasing his skills in the NBA..
“There’s a couple of guys who’s been with the team. I know Jordan Clarkson,” King said of the Utah Jazz guard.
“It’s kind of funny I see his picture on the billboard. I would love to mix it up with him and the guys here.”
Aside from Clarkson, the Gilas team also has Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame as naturalized players.
Bennie Boatwright is likewise a candidate for naturalization, with his papers now pending at Congress.
Still, King believes there’s more room for Gilas to accommodate another naturalized player.
“If they want to have me, I would love to do it,” he said. “Honestly, it would be an opportunity of a lifetime for me and to do it on a place I enjoyed being, it’s just a double whammy.”
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