Senator Sonny Angara said he is willing to spearhead the filing of bills that would pursue the naturalization of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) imports Justin Brownlee and Cameron Oliver in order to improve Gilas Pilipinas’ standing in the world hoops stage.
Angara previously backed the naturalization of Andray Blatche and Ange Kouame, who both played for the Philippine national men’s basketball team.
“We have a very unique opportunity to shine before a worldwide audience when we host the FIBA World Cup in August next year. As hosts we have already qualified for the prestigious tournament and we have a solid foundation for our Gilas Pilipinas squad,” said Angara, who currently chairs the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
“Having naturalized players with the caliber of Brownlee, who has won multiple championships in the PBA and ranks among the highest scoring imports in the league’s history, and Oliver, a prolific scorer who has played in various leagues, including the NBA, will provide a major boost to Gilas Pilipinas as it faces off with the best in the world,” he added.
Bills seeking the naturalization of Browlnee have been filed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate during the previous Congress but these failed to advance since he was not able to return to the Philippines at the height of the pandemic.
It was Senators Joel Villanueva and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito who filed the bills for Brownlee’s naturalization this 19th Congress.
During the hearing held by the Senate’s Committee on Sports, chaired by Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, last Monday, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes mentioned both Brownlee and Oliver as their candidates for naturalization.
According to Reyes, Brownlee has already completed his documentary requirements while Oliver is in the process of submitting his own documents for naturalization.
Currently, Gilas Pilipinas has Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson in its roster as a naturalized player.
He sai Clarkson has indicated that he would be available to play for the Philippines during the 2023 World Cup.
However, he would not be available for the May 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia to fulfill his contractual obligations with the Jazz.
Angara said Brownlee and Oliver could very well fill in the void during Clarkson’s absence. Reyes also said either of the two could increase the Philippines’ chances of winning the SEA Games gold.
“I am one with my colleagues—Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Committee on Sports chairman Sen. Bong Go, and Committee on Justice chairman Sen. Francis Tolentino in supporting any and all efforts to help our Gilas Pilipinas team in regaining the Philippines’ place among the world’s best in our beloved sport of basketball,” Angara said.