BGR added to Gilas SEAG team as Thailand applies 'passport only' rule
At A Glance
- Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser is set to complete the Gilas Pilipinas lineup for the Southeast Asian Games after the organizing committee had confirmed that it will only require a passport to be eligible for the biennial meet.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser is set to complete the Gilas Pilipinas lineup for the Southeast Asian Games after the organizing committee had confirmed that it will only require a passport to be eligible for the biennial meet.
Gilas SEAG head coach Norman Black confirmed the development to Manila Bulletin-Tempo on Saturday, Oct. 25, noting that while Thailand did not apply the FIBA eligibility rules, the committee is requiring players to use their passports to enter and exit the country.
“Yes it is confirmed (passport only rule). The only thing that Thailand is requiring us is for the players to use the passports to enter Thailand,” said Black.
The decision has now cleared the way for players like Remy Martin, Kymani Ladi, Jason Brickmann, all of whom were named to the initial Gilas SEAG pool but faced uncertainties due to reports of Thailand mulling to adapt the FIBA rules.
The same ruling allowed Black to tap Ganuelas-Rosser who he revealed was loaned by TNT to the national team for the duration of the SEA Games.
“He is on loan to us and we are very thankful to Mr. Ricky Vargas, Chot Reyes, along with Jojo (Lastimosa) for allowing Brandon to join the team. He will be very big for us,” Black said of the addition of Rosser, who will be missing at least two games in the PBA.
Also part of the Gilas team are Ray Parks Jr., Matthew Wright, Dave Ildefonso, Veejay Pre, Mike Phillips, and naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame, who can now be fielded together due to the ‘passport only’ rule.
As for the preparations of the team, Black said he is still plotting the plans based on the players’ schedules, especially those who are playing overseas.