Five Possible Candidate for Future Gilas' Naturalized Players

According to coach Chot Reyes of Gilas Pilipinas, they are looking to naturalize some young foreign players out there so that they will have back-up and future options once Andray is not available.

So, here are five possible targets for them.

Malcolm Thomas

Malcolm is currently playing in the Chinese Basketball League and he currently average the highest number of rebounds per game. His overall statline after 15 games is 21.3 points, 17.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 53.6% FG and 33.3% 3FG.

I love the well-roundedness of his game. I don't think our national team really need a center. I think, a player that will play the 4 who can create his shot, create for others, rebounds very well and can shoot will make them better. Just like Malcolm Thomas.

Ricardo Ratliffe

I am pretty sure you still remember him. He was the Commissioner's Cup import of Star this year and he posted 27.5 points, 18.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 85% FG. He is different to Thomas because he is more inside oriented but I love his blue-collar style that will fit well with the Filipinos.

He is only 27 years old so he has time to improve and click with our national team.

Ben Mbala

Ben is of course a long term option. Ben finished the UAAP season with a championship and the Most Valuable Player plum. He produced 20.6 points, 16.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. There was no doubt in my mind that Ben has the physical tools of an NBA player.

He is still 22 years and with thorough training and hardwork, he could be a multi-facet naturalized player of Gilas.

Allen Durnham

Remember Allen Durnham? He was the import that carried the Bolts to the Governors Cup Finals. He is the shortest out of the five in this list but he deserves consideration. We have a lot of quality wings in the country but we really don't have one who can lockdown international players, make plays, score, rebound and who has a legit Puso.

The basketball trends today has proven that a team can still thrive even with a lone bigman in the floor. So, a line-up of Castro, Lassiter Durnham, Rosario, Fajardo could work.

Robin Lopez

In 2014, Robin expressed his desire to play for our national team. Robin is currently the starting center of the Chicago Bulls and he averaged 9.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. His scoring repertoire is expanding and that could be a good news for us because he should easily exploit the bigman of majority of our international competitors.

The only drawback about him is his age. He is already 29 years old, which means 3 years of service, at most.