Smart Gilas feels it has found ‘Mr. Right’

Source: Daily Inquirer
All indications point to Dwayne Jones being a perfect fit for the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national team.

At least that’s how Rajko Toroman sees it after the Gilas mentor revealed that they are close to signing up the 6-foot-11, 251-pound inside operator out of Saint Joseph University, a US NCAA Division I school.

“I like Jones,” said Toroman. “But we have to make a deal. Coach Greg Popovich (of the San Antonio Spurs) was very positive about him. I’m doing my best to get as much information as I can.”

The Serbian coach saw Jones in the NBA D-League during a recent visit in the United States.

Toroman said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim is on the negotiating table with the 26-year-old Jones, who played for the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Bobcats in the NBA.

“Coach was very impressed with Jones,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala. “We’ve been studying his statistics and credentials. Clearly, he’s a worthy candidate.”

Eala added that Jones is described as one of the best big men in the D-League with NBA size and rebounding skills.

“If he is what the scouts have said, then definitely he will be a huge catch for Gilas. We’re praying that all goes well and that finally we’ve found Mr. Right,” said Eala.

He pointed out that the SBP is more careful now on choosing its candidate for naturalization after the first two imports—CJ Giles and Jamal Sampson—failed to meet expectations.

Should talks with Jones fall through, Toroman said former UCLA Bruin Michael Fey or former PBA import Earl Barron will be next in line.

Jones has been tallying 16.8 points, 15.4 rebounds and 1.9 shot blocks per game for the Austin Toros in the NBDL.