Citizenship hurdle stands in way of Philippine dreams of Asian Games basketball medal

Incheon organisers raise questions over eligibility of US-born basketball players

Philippines senator Sonny Angara, right, talks to NBA veteran Andray Blatche during a courtesy call to some of the senators in Manila on June 9, 2014. Blatche declared himself a proud Filipino as he eShow more

MANILA // Philippines officials said on Thursday that their hopes of winning their first Asian Games basketball medal in 16 years have been put in doubt over the eligibility of NBA star Andray Blatche.

Asian Games organisers on Monday demanded proof of citizenship for some of the 149-member Filipino contingent, including the US-born Blatche and two other male basketball players, the Philippine Olympic Committee said.

“All the players are eligible as far as we are concerned,” committee spokesman Joey Romasanta said.

Losing Blatche, a centre with the Brooklyn Nets, would be a blow for the Filipino basketball federation, which vowed to bring home the gold medal, Romasanta said.

The Philippines are bidding for their first podium finish in basketball since winning the bronze at the 1998 Bangkok Games.

Romasanta said it had become more “difficult” for the Filipinos to win medals since the entry of Middle East countries such as Iran began, since they field taller teams.

Blatche was granted Filipino citizenship under a special law that was signed by President Benigno Aquino in June. He was recruited and naturalised to boost the team ahead of this year's Fiba World Cup.

Blatche, who averaged 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game for the Nets last season, was also named on the Philippines’ 12-man squad for the Asian Games, which begin September 19 in Incheon, South Korea.

Romasanta said the contentious issue was over the interpretation of the Asian Games’ residency requirements for athletes, which was not an issue at the World Cup.

Incheon organisers also asked for documentation on Gabe Norwood and Jared Dillinger, who were also born in the US and played for American college teams before coming to the Philippines in 2008 to play in the local professional league.

Romasanta said the Philippines did not expect the two to be disqualified, since both have Filipina mothers. Under Philippine law and its constitution, both can ask to obtain Filipino citizenship.

The Filipino basketball federation replied ahead of yesterday’s deadline but asked to be allowed to name replacements, should any of the three be disqualified.

Romasanta said any disqualification would throw a shadow on the squads of other countries, in basketball and other disciplines. The Philippines is not the only country to naturalise foreigners in a bid to improve their teams’ performance.

“Other teams would face a challenge as well,” he said.

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