NEARLY 10 months before its first major test, the Smart Gilas Pilipinas is now scampering for a legitimate pivotman who will be the anchor of the team’s defense in the middle.
Gilas’ new team manager Frankie Lim is now in the US seeking for a candidate for naturalization and Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman is expected to join him to give his approval.
The main consideration includes height, athleticism, basketball IQ, his willingness to follow the system, readiness to become a naturalized Filipino citizen and relocate in the Philippines, no record of knee or back injuries and a big heart.
Among the hopefuls who have shown interest is Darian Townes from Holland, a 26 year old 6-foot-10 pivot who played for Utah Flash in the National Basketball Developmental League (NBDL) last December.
In his college days, he became a member of the Arkansas Razorbacks’ 1,000 block shots club and among the top 10 players in rebounding department.
Former Shell and Magnolia import Jameel Watkins, a 32 year old slotman from Georgetown Hoyas, who stands 6’10; the 7’1 former import of Ginebra Gin Kings Chris Alexander, Earl Barron Jr., a 7’0 former import of Red Bull Barakos–are among the short list of candidates for neutralization.
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