MANILA, Philippines - Whether or not Marcus Douthit will be signed as a naturalization candidate depends on how he performs with Smart-Gilas in the five-team Invitational Basketball Challenge, now on its second day at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Douthit, 30, is on a two-week trial. If he makes the grade, the 6-10 center will suit up for the Philippines at the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November. He will also wear the national colors at the FIBA Asia Championships, the London Olympic regional qualifying tournament, in Beirut next year.
Gilas coach Rajko Toroman said Douthit could be the big man he has been looking for. C. J. Giles, Jamal Sampson and Milan Vucicevic had their chance to play for Gilas but none passed Toroman’s test.
“I spoke with Marcus’ Croatian coach when he played in Belgium and received a positive recommendation,” said Toroman. “When Marcus played in Russia, he had solid stats in two games against the top team CKSA Moscow. In Belgium, he was paid 600,000 euros for two years – which isn’t bad. His teammates like him. He’s a smart player, very creative. He knows how to pass. He might just be our man.”
Once Douthit inks a contract, his wife and three children will fly in to join him in Manila
Douthit, 30, is on a two-week trial. If he makes the grade, the 6-10 center will suit up for the Philippines at the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November. He will also wear the national colors at the FIBA Asia Championships, the London Olympic regional qualifying tournament, in Beirut next year.
Gilas coach Rajko Toroman said Douthit could be the big man he has been looking for. C. J. Giles, Jamal Sampson and Milan Vucicevic had their chance to play for Gilas but none passed Toroman’s test.
“I spoke with Marcus’ Croatian coach when he played in Belgium and received a positive recommendation,” said Toroman. “When Marcus played in Russia, he had solid stats in two games against the top team CKSA Moscow. In Belgium, he was paid 600,000 euros for two years – which isn’t bad. His teammates like him. He’s a smart player, very creative. He knows how to pass. He might just be our man.”
Once Douthit inks a contract, his wife and three children will fly in to join him in Manila
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