By: Miguel Caramoan
Another rule change has added complications to Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, leaving head coach Norman Black to navigate uncertainty over who will ultimately be allowed to suit up.
Sources have revealed that the organizers of the biennial meet have barred all participating countries from fielding naturalized players.
This would immediately rule out Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame from the 5-on-5 lineup.
Kouame has been re-assigned to the 3×3 competition.
Black is still awaiting formal clarification from the Thailand Organizing Committee, expected by tomorrow, on whether the full FIBA eligibility framework will indeed be enforced.
Under the same rule, players who did not hold a Philippine passport before turning 16 would also be deemed ineligible, putting names like Remy Martin, Jason Brickman, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kymani Ladi, and Mike Phillips in limbo.
Until that confirmation arrives, the coaching staff cannot finalize which of the affected players may still be cleared to participate.
For now, original selections Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks, Dave Ildefonso, and UP transferee Veejay Pre remain eligible.
Meanwhile, Gilas has begun bolstering its roster with additional reinforcements.
Sources told Tiebreaker Times that Robert Bolick, Abu Tratter, Geo Chiu, and Jamie Malonzo have been tapped to join the squad as the program anticipates potential gaps once the eligibility ruling is finalized.
