Sedrick Barefield is hoping for an opportunity to play for Gilas Pilipinas following his inclusion in the ‘long list’ of names for the 20th Asian Games in Japan.
The Blackwater star is aware that nothing’s official as of now, but expressed that it would be an honor on his part if he received at least a chance to earn his spot on a team that’s eyeing a ‘back-to-back’ in the continental conclave.
“I’m hoping that it’s a possibility. I’m hoping that I get the chance,” he said after the Bossing’s loss to Phoenix, Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Both teams were wrapping their first-round campaigns in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas added Barefield to the list of names made specifically for the Asiad. That came about since B.League imports Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu won’t be available due to contractual obligations.
Aside from the 2024 second overall pick, the federation also included Meralco bruiser Brandon Bates and naturalization candidate Bennie Boatwright.
The SBP had earlier enlisted Justin Arana of Converge to the said list since it plans to maximize the more relaxed nationality rules in the quadrennial meet.
And standing to benefit from it, possibly, are guys such as Barefield, who’s ineligible to play as a local in FIBA competitions as he only obtained his Philippine passport just before entering Asia’s pioneering pro league.
That’s why the 29-year-old gunner out of the University of Utah feels grateful for a chance to live out a childhood dream of his.
“I know it’s not official, but it’s an honor to be thought about to represent Gilas. If it does go through, I’ll be super thankful,” stated Barefield.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and I’m just praying for the best.”
And if this Gilas stint does materialize, the former NBA G League campaigner with the Oklahoma City Blue vows to make the most out of it.
“Like I said, it would be a dream come true. I’ll just go out there and compete with those guys while representing the country,” he said.
“It will mean everything. That’s high-level basketball that you always wanna be a part of, that you dream of being a part of. I’m hoping for the best.”
