ADD George King to the cagers who want to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas.
The 6-foot-6 King, who wound up with a franchise record 64 points on an impeccable 20-of-20 shooting from the foul line in Blackwater’s final game of the PBA Governors’ Cup, a 139-118 demolition of Rain or Shine in Group B last Monday night, has become enamored with the Philippines and a possible stint with the Nationals would be the icing on the cake.
“I would love to play for the national team. I would love to put on that blue and gold jersey with No. 94,” King said. “I would love to do that. You know what I mean. There’s a couple of guys who’ve been with the team. I know Jordan Clarkson.
“It’s kind of funny I see his picture on the billboard. I would love to mix it up with him and the guys here,” he added.
Aside from Clarkson, the Philippine five also has Ange Kouame and Ginebra star Justin Brownlee as naturalized players.
Former San Miguel Beer reinforcement Bennie Boatwright is also a candidate for naturalization, his papers pending before Congress.
King, 30, a 59th pick overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2018 NBA Draft, left a big mark in his first foray on Asia’s pioneering pro league with a 3-of-8 clip from four-point range, 2-of-5 on the three-point land, and 18-of-35 overall from the field. He also pulled down 13 rebounds as the Bossing scored a big follow-up to a stunning 111-94 victory over San Miguel Beer four nights back and ended with a 5-5 record.
“I don’t know if a lot of people can say they scored 64. A lot of guys who walked on the face of the earth can’t say they scored 64 in a professional basketball game,” King said. “All glory to God. I felt good the entire night.”
While there was a tinge of regrets on Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso, his marching order to his wards was simple: finish with a flourish.
“Mahirap because it was one of those things where I felt if given a chance, we would have showcased what kind of a team we are at this point,” Cariaso said. “So, the second best (thing) was, regardless of having no chance, I just wanted to challenge them to perform tonight,
“Respect the game, respect the blessings that we are playing. That’s what I shared with them.”
Sedrick Barefiled chipped in 21 markers while Richard Escoto added 13 and five for the Bossing.
Troy Rosario and DJ Mitchell also had 12 and 11 points, respectively, for Blackwater.
Despite the loss, the Elasto Painters, who came off a 122-112 triumph against the San Miguel Beermen last Thursday, still finished as the top seed in the group with a 7-3 mark and will clash with the Magnolia Hotshots in the best-of-5 quarterfinals series beginning today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
King is saying goodbye to the country for now, his sights set on a new tour of duty with the Bossing and with Gilas.
“If they (Gilas) want to have me, I would love to do it,” he said. “Honestly, it would be an opportunity of a lifetime for me and to do it in a place I enjoyed being. It’s just a double whammy.”
