If Douthit won't make it, Gilas to play All-Filipino in Asiad

Former Los Angeles Lakers draftee Marcus Douthit attended the first two practice sessions of the Smart-Gilas national developmental team Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. And it didn’t take long for the European League standout to impress coach Rajko Toroman. "He’s good, that’s my first impression," Toroman told GMANews.TV. "But whether he can show his skills come game time or not is another matter." Toroman, who led Iran to its first-ever FIBA Asia Championship crown in 2007, sees Douthit as the most skilled import compared to the previous three who came here. "CJ (Giles) may have a higher leaping ability and Jamal Sampson is a solid inside player, but Douthit is an all-around player. He passes well for a big man, he can run the floor and can play both inside and out," said Toroman. According to Toroman, if ever Douthit signs the contract with the national team aspirants, his papers for naturalization will be processed right away so he can join the squad in time for the Asian Games. "We are working with him. He’s aware of why he’s here. If things will work out with him, the SBP will be the ones which will work on the processing of Douthit’s papers," added Toroman. But the team has no Plan B in terms of recruiting an import candidate for naturalization, which is why Toroman also expects his squad to play All-Filipino for the Guangzhou Asian Games if ever Douthit won’t make the team. The Smart-Gilas national developmental team will see action in the Manila Invitational tournament slated June 24 to 27, a tournament which will be used by Toroman in gauging the team’s strength. "We will have a Jordan team coming over here and play against us and we have two crack teams from the PBA – Ginebra and Talk N Text. Jordan is a team set to play for the World Championship so that means we’re in for a tough grind," said Toroman. Aside from having high hopes on Douthit, Toroman expects a much better performance this time from Fil-Am guard Chris Lutz and the returning JV Casio. "JV has been given the green light to play. He will be utilized more in our next tournament," said Toroman. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV