The Basketball Association of the Philippines, Sama-hang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has drawn up plans to naturalise San Beda’s Nigerian centre Sam Ekwe to bolster the national teams competing in future international competitions.
Patrick Gregorio, BAP-SBP executive director, however said they first have to make a case study before going through the process of making the 6-9 Ekwe a naturalised Filipino citizen to be able to play for the country.
"Yes, it’s part of the plan but we’re planning to conduct a deep study first before we do anything," said Gregorio.
The development came when the BAP-SBP announced Saturday that Ekwe, the 2006 NCAA MVP from Lagos, Nigeria, will reinforce the Harbour Centre-backed RP team as an import in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Champions Cup slated for April 2-6 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Amateur basketball godfather and Harbour Centre owner, Mikee Romero said Ekwe as a Filipino will play a major role in the country’s future campaigns.
"He (Ekwe) will be a vital element in the composition of the national team in the future," said Romero.
Fr. Mateo de Jesus, San Beda rector, said there’s nothing wrong with the idea as long as Ekwe agrees to it.
“Is that what he (Ekwe) wants? If so I wish him the best,” De Jesus on Sunday told The Star.
Mancom chair Paul Supan of Jose Rizal, for his part, said they’re just waiting for the official communication from the BAP-SBP, San Beda or Harbour Centre before making a decision.
"No official letter yet, but if San Beda agrees I don’t think there would be any problem," said Supan.
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