Back in 2016, Congressman Robbie Puno proposed that the country has a pool of naturalized players that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas can get any time for Gilas.
Seven years later, the dream has come to reality.
Earlier this week, three-time PBA Best Import Justin Brownlee, 34, became a Filipino citizen after President Bongbong Marcos signed into law Republic Act 11739.
“It is with much gratitude that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, led by our Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, welcomes the naturalization of Justin Brownlee in time for the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers next month,” said SBP president Al Panlilio as Gilas faces Jordan and Lebanon at home for the final window.
“The SBP wishes to thank profoundly the President for signing into law Republic Act 11739. We also are grateful to the Senate, through Sen. Francis Tolentino, chairman of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, and the House of Representatives, through Rep. Juliet Marie de Leon Ferrer, chairman of the Committee on Justice, for their invaluable support in passing the legislative act.”
Now, Gilas has three choices on who they will tap for the naturalized player slot in any window.
Gilas can go big with UAAP Season 84 MVP Angelo Kouame or go agile with Brownlee.
In big tournaments, Jordan Clarkson has vowed that he will answer the call of duty for as long as it is not the NBA season.
“I haven’t really talked much with anybody but I know that’s in the future plans,” said Clarkson about suiting up for the FIBA World Cup later this year.
“I’m getting prepared for that as well with my family and my team. I’m excited for that. We know that’s on the horizon. We will start to prepare to get everything down logistic-wise to get over there and get ready to compete.”
And the stars are beginning to align for Gilas heading into the World Cup.
