SEA Games ‘Passport-Only’ rule clears path for Gilas Pilipinas reinforcements

Gilas Pilipinas will have a deeper pool to choose from in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games after Thailand confirmed it will strictly enforce a “passport-only rule” for all events.

Team Philippines chef de mission Dr. Jose Canlas said the rule was agreed upon by the 11 participating nations to avoid eligibility disputes that previously arose in Cambodia.

 “This means dual passport holders can only use the passport of the country they are representing when traveling to Thailand,” Canlas explained.

The policy allows Gilas to field both naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame in the December 9 to 20 tournament. 

La Salle forward Mike Phillips, who won gold in 2023, is also cleared, along with Fil-foreign guards Remy Martin and Kihei Clark.

More names have surfaced as potential reinforcements, including Ray Parks, Matthew Wright, Kevin Quiambao, SJ Belangel, Quentin Millora-Brown, Mason Amos, and the Gomez de Liano brothers. Jason Brickman has also expressed his availability.

 While the MPBL has offered players such as Dave Ildefonso, Encho Serrano, Allyn Bulanadi, Larry Muyang, and veterans Greg Slaughter and Vic Manuel.

Young prospects are likewise eager to join the squad. Ateneo’s Kai Ballungay said playing for Gilas would be “an honor,” while teenager Kieffer Alas vowed that “no matter what, Gilas is my priority.”

The SEA Games basketball handbook initially cited FIBA eligibility rules, which restrict naturalized and dual citizens, but organizers have since clarified that the “passport-only” guideline will prevail.

The Philippines, winner of 19 of the last 21 SEA Games men’s basketball titles, will aim for a 20th gold medal when the biennial meet tips off in Thailand.

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