MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas scored a fastbreak dunk when the Senate on Monday unanimously approved on third and final reading of Senate Bill 2108, sponsored by Sen. Sonny Angara, granting Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche Philippine citizenship.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes was the first to break the news on Monday on his twitter account (@coachot).
Blatche bill approved on third reading with affirmative vote of 20-0. Thank you Senate! Thank you Congress!
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) May 26, 2014 The 27-year old Blatche will reinforce the team in the FIBA World Cup and possibly also in the Asian Games if he beats the Friday deadline of submission of passport number to be eligible to play in Incheon, Korea. Gilas sees no problem of Blatche beating the FIBA World Cup’s deadline of submission of the complete requirements for naturalized players on July 15.
Blatche can be issued a Philippine passport once President Benigno Aquino, Jr. signs the bill, which is expected to reach Malacanang by Wednesday or Thursday.
Gilas players welcomed the great news and thanked the country’s lawmakers for fast-tracking Blatche’s naturalization process.
“It’s a great news for Philippines basketball knowing that we have two quality guys that could help Gilas. We’re all looking forward to the training camp and get ready for Spain,†Gilas skipper Jimmy Alapag told Philstar.com upon learning the news.
“Magandang balita yun kasi sa ibang bansa nga tulad ng Jordan, Lebanon, ambilis nga mag-naturalize eh. Tama yung ginawa nila na kung sino ang desidido at gustong magsakripisyo para makapaglaro para sa bansa natin ay nabigyan nila ng chance,†Gilas forward Ranidel De Ocampo added.
Reyes said in earlier interviews that they went after many NBA big men but only Blatche, who willingly accepted to go through naturalization process and represent Philippines in international basketball competitions.
Gilas players also took the opportunity to thank Marcus Douthit for his professional handling of the situation where he will be relegated to the reserve list once Blatche gets activated. The team has planned to set up its training camp in Miami, Florida where the soon-to-be free agent Blatche is based.
The 34-year old Douthit is expected guide Blatche of the ins and outs of the Gilas’ system, which he’s been accustomed to in the last four years.
“Well, Marcus [Douthit] is very professional. Wala kang masasabi sa kaniya. Alam niyang mahirap ang sitwasyon but Marcus is handling it the best way he can, so hats off to him,†Gilas gunslinger Larry Fonacier said.
“Siyempre maganda na nandiyan pa rin si Marcus para gabayan si Andray. Maganda rin ang attitude ni Marcus na willing siyang mag-sacrifice na naka-standby lang siya diyan just in case may mangyari,†De Ocampo added.
Douthit will still see action when Gilas plays in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in Wuhan, China in July that will serve as their first tune-up games before flying to Miami and then Spain.