Naturalization ni Blatche nasa Senado na
MANILA, Philippines – Umusad na sa Senado ang panukalang gawing naturalized Filipino ang Brooklyn Nets player na si Andray Blatche upang palakasin ang national men’s basketball team sa pagsabak sa world stage sa Agosto.
Inaasahang dumalo sa unang pagdinig ng Senado si Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios at Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes.
“We are grateful to the Congress and the Senate for giving it an expedite treatment. Let’s see how it turns out tomorrow (Tuesday) but we really appreciate the effort and consideration that they would give to Blatche,†pahayag ni SBP president Manny V. Pangillinan kagabi.
Kung sakaling lumusot ay maglalaro bilang sentro ng koponan si Blatche sa FIBA World Cup at sa Asian Games sa Korea, habang magiging reserved ang naunang naturalized player na si Marcus Douthit.
“Ang kasunduan is [to play Blatche] in Spain and Korea. We will retain Marcus Douthit as a reserve. We owe him a lot for being with the Gilas team for such a long time,†banggit ni Pangilinan.
Samantala, nagpahiwatig naman si Pangilinan sa kanyang pagbibitiw sa puwesto bilang pinuno ng SBP.
“[SBP has a long-term plan for the country to become a major player in Asian and World basketball but] I think they will need a new and younger president. I’ve served my time. But I will still support SBP and will stand by whoever will be the new president and of course, Gilas,†sabi niya.
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