But SBP is preparing for any eventuality.
There is no list yet, but Gilas Pilipinas is looking to naturalize at least three players the can be of help when the national team competes in various international tournaments starting this year.
At the moment, the only naturalized player the Philippines has is former NBA player Andray Blatche, who has donned the Pilipinas uniform since the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.
The 6-foot-11 Blatche has also played in the FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China back in 2015, and in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) held here a year ago.
Blatche, according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios, remains the main priority for Gilas 5.0 under coach Chot Reyes.
Barrios said it’s better, however, to be ready for any eventuality.
“Of course, Blatche is still the top option. But we have to be ready, be prepared because we don’t know what the future holds,” said Barrios. “We’re also looking at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“There is no list yet, as far as the SBP is concerned,” said Barrios. “Maybe the coaching staff of the national team is looking for candidates to be naturalized, but we still don’t know.”
The contract of Blatche with the national team is per event, and it will be up for discussion as Gilas is set to see action in the FIBA Asia Cup this August. The onetime member of the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets is currently playing for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China.
Blatche has also expressed his intention to return to the NBA, particularly this season if an opportunity opens for him to join a playoff contender since he has been playing well in the CBA.
With the Asia Cup up next for Gilas, Barrios said it’s better to be ready in the event Blatche is not available. Age is another factor since the New York native would be 32 by the 2019 World Cup.
Members of the Gilas Cadet are currently playing in the PBA Philippine Cup, including Mac Belo of Blackwater, Kevin Ferrer of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Jio Jalalon of Star and Mike Tolomia of Rain or Shine.
The conflict in schedule between the Asia Cup and the Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia remains unresolved since both events are set in August, and the SBP is still awaiting response from FIBA Asia.
In the event that FIBA Asia sticks with its plans to hold the event on Aug. 15 to 27, which runs in contrast with the SEA Games set on Aug. 19 to 31 in KL, it’s possible the SBP will field two national teams.