Naturalization: Smart Gilas choices down to two

Source: Daily Inquirer
After spending nearly a month searching for an import, the Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team has narrowed down its choices to NBA veteran Dwayne Jones and former UCLA slotman Michael Fey.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala said he will sit down with Gilas head coach Rajko Toroman and team manager Frankie Lim on Tuesday to name the national team’s replacement for Jamal Sampson.

With the 6-foot-11 Jones, Gilas will get another NBA-caliber inside operator who owns an admirable collegiate career but whose professional record is limited to uneventful stints with the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charlotte Bobcats.

Fey is also shaping up as another top pick for the team’s candidate for naturalization after the 7-foot former Bruin made quite an impression when Toroman saw him play in the National Basketball Development League.

“For sure, we will go to the FIBA Asia Champions Cup with an American import who could be with us until the Asian Games and the Olympic qualifier in 2011,” said Eala.

“Naturalization is a long process and we have to start as soon as possible.”

Doha will host the 2010 FIBA Asia Champions Cup in May with Smart Gilas hoping to improve its fifth-place finish last year in Jakarta.

“Right now, Fey and Jones are our top two choices,” said Eala.

“Fey is a legitimate seven-footer from UCLA while Jones has limited offensive skills, but is a good rebounder and a monster in defense. At any rate, I think any of them will be a good choice,” he added.