There’s suddenly a lot of interest in becoming a naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas.
After Quincy Miller expressed his willingness to become a naturalized Filipino and play for the national team, Bay Area import Myles Powell, likewise, pitched in the idea of him joining the Gilas.
Powell first revealed his intent to become a candidate for naturalization following a reply on a Twitter post that is urging the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to add Converge import Quincy Miller to the candidates for naturalization.
“Add me to that list too,” Powell tweeted.
It turned out there has been an ongoing talk between Powell and Miller following the news of Ginebra import Justin Brownlee getting his naturalization bid going when the bill filed by 1Pacman representative Mikee Romero passed the first reading in the House of Representatives last Wednesday.
“Me and Quincy were just talking about it off the court. We just saw Brownlee get cleared for that,” said the prolific import who once again proved his offensive prowess, easily dissecting the league’s top defense in Magnolia by dropping 11 of his 32 points in the final frame to take the win, 95-89.
“Me being out here, not knowing how long I might be out here, so it was just, you know, talks, and whatever happens, happens,” he added.
Powell, who has definitely taken the league by storm with his impressive scoring display, certainly has the numbers to back him up, making him an intriguing prospect for Gilas Pilipinas which already has Jordan Clarkson and Ateneo big man Ange Kouame as its current naturalized players in the pool.
For now, Powell’s focus is helping Bay Area win a championship in the PBA – a goal that isn’t entirely impossible especially with the Dragons now undefeated through seven games when Powell is their import. He averaged 37.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals, including a 50-point performance in one of his last three games to help Bay Area regain the top spot of the standings with a 9-2 record.
“I want to win a championship in the PBA,” added Powell