Douthit, Gilas agree to contract extension

MANILA, Philippines – Marcus Douthit, whose existing playing contract with Gilas Pilipinas will expire at the end of the month, has agreed to a one-year contract extension, guaranteeing his stay with the team as the Philippine quintet chases a bid to make the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Douthit has reached an agreement with Gilas Pilipinas before leaving his home in Providence, Rhode Island to rejoin the Nationals in their quest to win the gold medal in the Asian Games in Incheon, Korea starting late this month.

The 6-foot-11 Los Angeles Lakers 2004 draftee, flying to the US from Spain last Saturday, was to return in the country last night.

“We’ve had a meeting of minds (for a dew deal),” Gilas team manager Aboy Castro told The STAR.

“We’ve had an agreement even before the decision for him to replace Andray Blatche (in the Asiad lineup) was made. Remember there’s a long list of tournaments we’re playing next year. There’s the SEABA, the SEA Games, maybe the Jones Cup and of course the Asian qualifier for the 2016 Olympics. He’s playing majority of those events,” Castro also said.

Castro said it’s not an issue for Douthit on being a last-minute replacement to Blatche for the Asian Games.

“He’s been with us all the way. He even mentored Dray on how to deal with everything in the World Cup. He’s there on the bench to coach Dray,” said Castro.

“Like any other normal person, may dinamdam konti (he felt a bit bad being replaced by Blatche for the World Cup), but he kept it to himself,” Castro also said.

Douthit himself has said he’s ready to play in case Blatche is declared ineligible for the Incheon meet.

“I’ve been here since we started so I don't see any reason why I won't be ready,” Douthit told a group of Filipino sportswriters towards the end of the World Cup Group B play in Seville, Spain.

“I’ve been doing what’s everybody’s doing. I’m in shape,” said Douthit.

Gilas Pilipinas will be back in practice Saturday with everyone expected to attend except Paul Lee, who requested for an extra day rest.

He’s now without a playing contract but his handlers have assured the 2012 PBA Rookie of the Year awardee will play in the Asian Games. Lee’s old pact with Rain or Shine expired Aug. 31 and he’s yet talk with the RoS management for any deal.

“Without Jayson Castro, we need Paul Lee. He’s our only guy now who can break out defense off the dribble,” said Castro.

Tired and weary from their Spain trip, Gilas Pilipinas delayed by two days their original Sept. 18 Asiad departure.

“We requested that we be excused for the opening ceremonies, and the Philippine Olympic Committee allowed us. They allowed us to do that since our first game is Sept. 23,” said Castro.

Because of the change in schedule, Japeth Aguilar will not be able to do the honors of being the flag bearer for the Philippine contingent during the opening ceremonies of Sept. 19.