J-Wash to bury hatchet if he joins Smart Gilas

MANILA, Philippines –  San Miguel star forward Jay Washington said he’s willing to set aside his ill feeling towards the Smart-PLDT group if it’s for the country.

The 6-foot-6 Fil-Am center/forward has expressed excitement to play for Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas.

“Wow, really?” said Washington when told he’s on coach Rajko Toroman’s wish list.

“I feel like they’ve been overlooking me for so long. But this is a different issue. I’m ready to talk to them,” said Washington, among PBA players being considered to reinforce Smart Gilas in the coming Asian Olympic qualifier.

Washington doesn’t hide his resentment after he was traded by Talk n Text after the 2008 season.

During the pre-final press conference, Washington minced no words in saying what he feels towards his former team.

“I’ve been waiting for this day. I’m waiting to play them in the finals,” he said.

“I hold some sort of animosity with Talk n Text. I had a rough time with them. I didn’t start what I’d thought or planned to. I tried to find my way. Then by the end of my third year, I was in a situation that I felt like I stuck. I didn’t fit,” he added.

Other PBA players on Smart Gilas’ radar are Talk n Text’s Kelly Williams, Ranidel de Ocampo, Jimmy Alapag and Ryan Reyes, Meralco’s Asi Taulava, San Miguel’s Arwind Santos and Derby Ace’s James Yap.

Smart Gilas will choose five from the list.