Why not Bol for Gilas?

MANILA, Philippines — Imagine 7-3 Bol Bol playing for Gilas. Is it possible? Would Bol agree to suit up as a naturalized import? Bol, 26, was born in Khartoum, Sudan and qualifies to play for either the US where he grew up or South Sudan. He was a late cut on coach John Calipari’s US squad that competed at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup and made it to the 25-man pool for the South Sudan national team but begged off from playing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Since Bol hasn’t played for any national team, he may be enlisted to join Gilas. He’s now playing for TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and drawing raves, making him a crowd favorite among Filipino fans. This conference, Bol is averaging 37.3 points and 16.3 rebounds.

“We would consider Bol of course as he’s obviously a very talented player,” said Gilas head coach Tim Cone. “But it’s not a simple yes or no question. There are numerous issues that would need to be answered like availability, commitment, fit with the team, fit with the system, etc. etc. Whether we would consider Bol as a naturalized player is a very layered question without a simple answer.”

Gilas/TNT assistant coach Josh Reyes said he has raised the possibility with Bol himself. “I mention it a lot from our very first conversation,” said Reyes. “He’s committed to South Sudan but I’m hoping his time here can open something. Right now, Bol is committed to South Sudan to play in the LA Olympics. He wants to keep his word. Nothing against Gilas. He acknowledged how good that would be but he intends to keep his commitment to his country. But never say never. The key is for Bol to enjoy his stay here first.”

Asked why Bol opted out of playing in the last Olympics, Reyes said it had something to do with securing his roster spot in the NBA. Bol was the Miami Heat’s second round pick in the 2019 NBA draft and played for Denver, Orlando and Phoenix in 202 games over six regular seasons. One of the high schools he attended was Mater Dei in Santa Ana, California, where PBA legend Vince Hizon saw action.

Reyes said Bol is affected by the fake memes, news and quotes in social media. “I hope something can be done to stop fake news and fake quotes attached to actual photographs of players,” said Reyes. “It gives a wrong impression of our media culture.”