Douthit gets FIBA nod

MANILA, Philippines - The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has given 2004 Los Angeles Lakers draftee Marcus Douthit the go signal to join Smart-Gilas Pilipinas as its naturalized player in FIBA tournaments, including the ongoing Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Men’s Championship in Jakarta.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios disclosed the news late Wednesday after receiving a copy of the letter from Ivanka Toteva, head of FIBA’s Sport and Eligibility Committee.

In the letter addressed to SBP, Toteva confirmed that Douthit is now eligible to play for the Philippine team upon receipt of “the national status” of the player.

Douthit said he can now focus on helping the team achieve its main goal – to earn a slot in the 2012 London Olympics via the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship in Wuhan, China in September.

“I’m glad to hear that. Now, I can really focus on helping the team without distractions,” said Douthit.

Barrios said the approval was expected since all pertinent documents attesting to Douthit being granted naturalization by President Noynoy Aquino have been submitted to FIBA.

“It’s very timely for the SEABA,” Barrios said. “That’s one concern on our list, but all along we are confident because we complied with all the requirements of FIBA.”

The top three teams in the SEABA tourney will advance to the FIBA-Asia Men’s Championship, the qualifier for the London Olympiad.

Smart Gilas is scheduled to play Malaysia Thursday night at the BritAma gym, host Indonesia today and Singapore tomorrow. The top two teams will play in the Finals Sunday.