But former Cornell University star cager Alex Compton is American by blood and therefore, disqualified from playing as a local in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Compton, 31, was born here when his parents James and Carol lived in Silang, Cavite. His father was a professor at the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction.
It is sometimes allowed for a foreigner born overseas to claim citizenship of the country of his birth. The case of Dallas Mavericks center Shawn Bradley is an example. Bradley, an American, was born in Landstuhl, West Germany, and opting for dual citizenship, the 7-6 center was cleared to play with Dirk Nowitzki for the German national team in the European Championships a few years ago.
But in the PBA, players are considered local only if they’re Filipinos born here or Fil-foreigners whose Filipino parents were Filipino citizens at the time of their birth. Compton does not qualify either way even if his heart is Filipino.
In November 2003, Compton appeared before the PBA Board of Governors and appealed to be considered as an exception to the rule. He was not included among the applicants in the next draft.
Last week, Compton submitted a letter to the PBA Board, appealing once more to be considered for the PBA draft in August.
"I understand that I am asking for special consideration in my application," he wrote. "Playing in the PBA has been a dream of mine for quite some time yet I would not apply for the draft if I believed that my acceptance to the league would have a negative impact. It seems that everyday for the past three or four years, people will stop me and ask why I’m not playing in the PBA. It is because of this, what I believe to be the support of the fans, that I am pursuing this dream."
An informal survey was recently conducted among PBA players to find out if they would agree for Compton to join the draft. The result was 61 percent agreed.
"I understand that the PBA must make decisions with the best interests of the league in mind and I will readily and willing accept any decision made," he continued. "Many of my closest friends are employed in the PBA and whether or not, I am ever allowed to play in the league, I will continue to support it and pray that the PBA will soar to greater heights."
Compton said he considers Manila home and speaking Pilipino fluently, has immersed himself in Filipino culture. He played four years in the Metropolitan Basketball Association and now stars for Montaña in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). He represented the Philippines in two international competitions, the Super League in Taiwan in 1999 and the Jones Cup in 2002.
The PBL issued a statement endorsing Compton’s bid to apply for the PBA draft.
"In all his time in the PBL, he has proven to be an excellent role model not just to his teammates but to the fans as well," said the PBL. "His strict adherence to the Christian faith typified by his missionary and charity work, makes him a true credit to any league he is part of.
"He is never hesitant when called upon to do promotions work and is always first in line to volunteer whenever civic activities are discussed. He donates a sizable amount of his earnings to the poor.
"However, Compton is fast approaching the age in which he should no longer be competing against collegiate players of which the PBL is mainly composed of. He has run out of challenges in our league and aches to play against the best basketball competition this country has to offer. He is also at the age he can possibly no longer dominate games but instead be a solid contributor for any team that he joins. He will surely be an asset to the PBA should the league grant his request."
Former RFM team manager Elmer Yanga sent a letter to PBA commissioner Noli Eala supporting Compton’s application.
"Alex demonstrated unquestionable team leadership on and off the court," said Yanga. "He is a role model and his actions inspired the young players in our team. I am confident he will be an asset to the PBA in particular and basketball in general."
The PBA is empowered to set its own eligibility rules so allowing Compton as an exception in the draft would not be an irregularity.
Copies of Compton’s letter of appeal were sent to the PBA Board.
A PBA coach said making Compton an exception would not open the floodgates for foreigners to knock on the league’s door. "Compton is a rare breed," the coach noted. "Allowing him to apply for the draft wouldn’t set a precedent because Compton is one in a million."
Last February, Compton was recruited by the Campus Crusade for Christ to play a series of games and conduct clinics in Auckland with a touring team led by NBA veterans David Wood and Dave Jamerson. He is actively involved in Christian ministry.