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| Robin Lopez, seen here chatting with Ginebra's Josh Urbiztondo during the Asian Basketball Showdown last Tuesday, said that he is willing to represent the Philippines in future international competitions. Jonathan Nava (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
Portland Trailblazers center Robin Lopez said that he is open to the idea of playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the future.
Interviewed during the Gatorade Training Center at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City co-presented by NBA Philippines, Lopez said, “I’d love to play for the Philippines. I realized the passion these people have for basketball."
Lopez also lauded Gilas' naturalized big man Andray Blatche for his performance in the FIBA World Cup.
"Obviously he has played his heart out for that team and I think he is a great fit for Gilas," he commented.
Lopez added that he is ready if in case the Nationals will look for new reinforcements. "If the Andray Blatche thing doesn't work out, tell the Gilas people I'm here," he said.
Lopez, fellow Blazer Wesley Matthews, and former NBA star and coach Avery Johnson trained collegiate, amateur, and professional players during the Gatorade Training Center.
Lopez also graced the Mang Tomas Father and Son Challenge at the same venue later in the day.
He, along with Matthews, Johnson, the Laker Girls, and Denver Nuggets mascot Rocky, will go to Cebu for an NBA Cares event and will grace the NBA Store Philippines launch in Makati the following day.
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