It appears that Head Coach Norman Black won’t face any scarcity in having players compete at the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asia Games come December, as international Pinoy stars express their willingness to play.
Asian Imports in Japan and Korea, Assemble!
First revealed from a story in Spin.ph, the majority of the Filipino Asian imports playing both in Japan’s B League and Korea’s KBL are inclined to represent Gilas in Bangkok, Thailand.
These players are: Kevin Quiambao, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Gómez De Liaño brothers (Juan and Javi), and SJ Belangel.
According to a story in Tiebreaker Times, Head Coach Norman Black wishes Francis Lopez to be in his pool/lineup as well.
Former US NCAA Standouts and UAAP Stars Also in the Mix
There are also former US NCAA Fil-Ams standouts who have submitted a copy of their passports to Head Coach Norman Black and to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
These are: Remy Martin, Boogie Ellis, and Kihei Clark.
Former and current UAAP collegiate stars have also voiced out about playing for the country. These are: Mason Amos, Mike Phillips, Kean Baclaan, and recently localized player for Gilas, Quentin Millora-Brown.
MPBL Reportedly Willing to Lend Their Players
On another story from Spin.ph, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is also reportedly willing to lend some of their players to represent the Philippines in the 33rd SEA Games.
Players mentioned were: Dave Ildefonso, Geo Chiu, Archie Concepcion, Encho Serrano, Jason Brickman, Allyn Bulanadi, Larry Muyang, and probably the veteran duo of Greg Slaughter and Vic Manuel.
22-Man Pool Plus Either Brownlee
With the main objective of winning the gold medal once again, this initial list now creates a 22-man pool lineup. That’s not even counting Justin Brownlee as their naturalized player.
From a story in Tiebreaker Times, Head Coach Black would want Brownlee to be their naturalized player in the tournament.
This now makes the list of 24 players possibly all being available come training camp begins.
Issues: Tournament Date Overlap, FIBA Eligibility Rules, and Granting Release from Mother Clubs
As sweet a dream as this may sound to any Gilas fan, any fantasy will have its very own nightmare.
First would be the schedule overlap of MPBL. If SBP really intends to have a player from the MPBL, then they should get someone who wouldn’t be playing in the Finals, as the league’s Championship series is predicted to fall in December.
Ildefonso. Serrano, Chiu, and Brickman, all playing for the Abra Weavers, may be out of the conversation already since their team is playing superb basketball and may actually be playing in the Finals.
The second issue would be the SEA Games Eligibility rules. Would they now reinforce the type of player eligibility mandated by the FIBA? Or will they allow mixed foreign players to represent a country regardless of whether they didn’t secure a country’s passport by the age of 16?
If, however, the FIBA eligibility rule is adopted, Head Coach Black, Spin sources bared, will be compelled to form a team made up of Brownlee, college stars like Phillips and Amos, and perhaps Kean Baclaan, and pro players based in Korea and Japan.
On the other hand, if the SEA Games enforces the ‘passports-only’ rule, US-based standouts like Martin, Clark, and Ellis will come into consideration, as well as Fil-foreign players in the PBA and Gilas’ back-up naturalized player, Ange Kouame.
The third and last problem that SBP will encounter is granting the release of players from their respective ball clubs for those who are in the KBL and B League.
Since the SEA Games isn’t categorized as a “FIBA Sanctioned Tournament”, the Asian Imports from the Philippines may be out of the conversation as well.
In an earlier report, it was first revealed that Head Coach Black would like his squad to be filled up with UAAP and/or NCAA players, either Brownlee or Kouame as naturalized players, and players from eliminated teams in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Wishlist: Premier Collegiate Coaches
Still from Tiebreaker Times, Head Coach Norman Black is targeting top-tier collegiate coaches to join him in the head coaching duties come December.
Considering that the UAAP has reported that they are willing to adjust their calendar date in order for their student athletes to participate in the SEA Games, Head Coaches are also on the wishlist.
University of the Philippines Head Coach Goldwin Monteverde and Ateneo de Manila University Assistant Coach Sandy Arespacochaga are mentioned to be part of the Coaching Staff.
Monteverde is a 2-time UAAP Champion (2022 and 2024) for the Fighting Maroons. While Arespacochaga previously served as Black’s lead deputy during Norman’s stint with the Ateneo Blue Eagles from 2005 to 2012, and later with TNT from 2013 to 2014.
