Push Admin

Naturalized players can be imports in PBA, says league chairman

Article (news)

Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News 

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Naturalized Filipino big men Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche. FIBA.basketball " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/sports/12/28/marcus-douthit-andray-blatche.jpg"/><figcaption>Naturalized Filipino big men Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche. FIBA.basketball</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines -- Naturalized Filipino players can suit up in the PBA -- but as imports.This, according to league chairman Ricky Vargas who admits that as of now, it is unlikely that naturalized players will be allowed to play as locals in the PBA.&quot;Sa ngayon, the door is closed pa on that, that they become a local player in the pro league,&quot; Vargas told former PBA commissioner Noli Eala on &quot;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubx4Fhx1G4c&amp;t=6589s">Power and Play</a>&quot; last Saturday.&quot;We have not looked at it favorably at the moment,&quot; he explained.Talks of naturalized players suiting up as locals in the PBA rose in late December after Andray Blatche and Marcus Douthit -- both naturalized centers -- expressed their desires to play in the league.Blatche, 35, represented the Philippines in two editions of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, but has not played in the PBA. Douthit, 41, was an import for Air21 in 2012 and Blackwater in 2015. He has played for Gilas Pilipinas in several events, including the FIBA Asia Asia Championship, the FIBA Asia Cup, and the Southeast Asian Games. <ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/28/21/andray-blatche-marcus-douthit-want-to-play-in-the-pba">FULL STORY: Naturalized centers Andray Blatche, Marcus Douthit want to play in the PBA</a></li></ul>Vargas acknowledged that both players deserve the opportunity to play in the PBA.&quot;Our naturalized players who served the country should at least be given a chance to play with us. As imports, pwede, &#x27;di ba?&quot; he noted.Thus, he is not ruling out a switch in the PBA&#x27;s policies in the future. The league had already relaxed some of its eligibility requirements for Filipino-foreign players earlier this year.&quot;This is again, the changing landscape of basketball. If they can play in the national team, why can&#x27;t they play in the PBA?&quot; said Vargas.

Naturalized players can be imports in PBA, says league chairman

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

Naturalized players can be imports in PBA, says league chairman

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 10, 2022 05:34 PM PHT

Read More:

PBA

Ricky Vargas

naturalization

naturalized players

Andray Blatche

Marcus Douthit

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.