When Yeng Guiao coached the national team eight years ago, he didn’t enjoy the privilege of having a naturalized player in his squad.
But he believes that the Philippines needs one to compete well in international tournaments.
Gilas Pilipinas currently has that luxury with Andray Blatche on board, but the veteran tactician thinks it’s time now for the team to look for a new one.
“Ang lifetime ng naturalized player is three to five years sa tingin ko. Hindi ko alam kung ilang years na naglalaro si Blatche, so kung three years, ibig sabihin kailangan nagri-recruit ng panibago because the other countries are also constantly recruiting naturalized players. So kailangan nasasabayan mo rin sila,” Guiao told a small group of sportswriters.
“Baka mga dalawang taon na lang si Andray.”
Blatche was given Filipino citizenship in 2014 and has played for the team in major FIBA tournaments ever since. His predecessor, Marcus Douthit, was naturalized in 2010 and suited up for the Philippines for five years.
Guiao also noted the importance of identifying Blatche’s replacement as soon as possible, citing the grueling legislative process needed to make the new player eligible for the team.
“As early as now, yung papalit sa kanya dapat andyan na,” he said. “Isa pang matagal na process is the naturalization process by legislation. It might take a year also so kailangan umpisahan na rin.”
But more than anything else, identifying the right player will be the toughest challenge for Gilas according to Guiao.
“I think ang unang step dyan is you make the right choice of who you’re going to naturalize. Yun ang medyo mahirap. After that, yung process, de kahon na yun,” he said.
Gilas Pilipinas is now actively searching for players willing to be naturalized, with Blackwater import Greg Smith among its prospects.
