COACH Chot Reyes has his eyes on Justin Brownlee as one of two American players who could reinforce the national team as naturalized players in International Basketball Federation (FIBA) tournaments.
His other choice besides Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s resident import is Cameron Oliver, who’ll reinforce TNT Tropang Giga in the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup.
“They’re willing and hopefully they can complete their documents,” Reyes told senators during a Senate Committee on Sports hearing on Monday. “As far as I know, Brownlee’s documents are complete, while Oliver is still in the process of completing his.”
Brownlee, 34, needs no introduction as the 6-foot-5 do-it-all import has been Ginebra’s import since 2016 and is back in town for the Commissioner’s Cup. He won five titles with the Gin Kings.
Oliver, on the other hand, is agile at 6-foot-8 and has National Basketball Association experience with the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio said Gilas Pilipinas is looking at multiple naturalized players to beef up the national team.
Certified NBA star Jordan Clarkson is not guaranteed to be available anytime for the national team, thus the need for other naturalized players, according to Panlilio.
Rep. Mikee Romero of 1-Pacman Partylist already initiated naturalization procedures for Brownlee in 2019, but the process remained pending.