Akhuetie doubtful for Chooks-to-Go in FIBA Asia Champions Cup
Bright Akhuetie during his stint with Perpetual Help | File Photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Chooks-to-Go national basketball team set to see action in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup has found themselves in a dreary situation with Bright Akhuetie.
Tapped as an import, the Nigerian was initially set to play alongside a crop of the country’s top prospects in Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng with pros Norbert Torres and Alfrancis Tamsi in the tournament in Chenzhou, China.
"We're still checking out e, because there's an uncertainty kay Bright Akhuetie regarding his eligibility. It might affect his UAAP residency,” head coach Chot Reyes said after the team’s practice on Thursday night.
Another look 6-foot-7 Akhuetie v 7-foot-1 Austin. #LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/bhnUe5vZmP
— Denison Dalupang (@sonrd) September 14, 2017
“We’re bringing in Rod Ebondo to be a back-up import for us,” the longtime Gilas mentor said.
Akhuetie played for the University of Perpetual Help in the NCAA and was also twice named a member of the Mythical Team. He is now serving a redshirt year in hopes of playing for the University of the Philippines in the UAAP.
The former Altas was envisioned to play alongside the 7-foot-1 Isaiah Austin who is currently the Gilas’ candidate for a naturalization.
The 6-foot-7 Akhuetie is no rookie in club action as he did a tour of duty alongside Ravena for Mighty Sports in the Republica Cup and Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League in 2016.
Ebondo was also in attendance in Thursday's practice.
His last stomping grounds was with the Centro Escolar University in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup. The Congolese powered his team to the Finals where they versus the Cignal Hawkeyes.
Chooks-to-Go will open their campaign in the club skirmish against BC Astana of Kazakhstan on September 22.
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