Gilas Women to push for Andray Blatche-like naturalized big, eyeing JaVale McGee's sister Imani

It has been mostly talk for the past years but Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach Patrick Aquino is hoping to finally see his dreams of bringing in a naturalized player come true soon.

The decorated mentor is hoping they can get a huge talent similar to when Gilas Pilipinas Men brought in former NBA player Andray Blatche for various international tournaments such as FIBA World and Asia Cups.

Topping Aquino's list is Imani McGee-Stafford, the sister of NBA center JaVale McGee. The 6-foot-7 McGee-Stafford had seen action in the WNBA, selected 10th overall by Chicago Sky in 2016, and was reportedly eyeing to join the national team as a naturalized player.

"As of now, I'm still looking for naturalized players like Andray Blatche," Aquino told GMA News Online following their historic back-to-back gold medals in the SEA Games.

"There were rumors that the sister of Javale McGee of the Phoenix Suns would like to come and join us so we'll try to do the process already. Hopefully, it will materialize in the coming years so that she can help us also."

The search for naturalized players has been part of the Gilas pipeline for quite some time now, but nothing has come of it as of yet. Several reports, though, have it that the national team had considered Rhena Itesi of National University as well as Mai-Loni Henson.

And as they try to build a dynasty in the Southeast Asian region, and look to become more competitive in Asia, Aquino said they will need size to reinforce the paint.

"Definitely, big man because we're trying to compete in Asia. Asian teams are powered by big guys and mahirap naman na puro maliliit naman pero mabiibilis naman. But we're trying to do that," he said.

Aquino also underscored the fact that some of their Filipino-American recruits like Gabi Bade and Stephanie Berberabe won't be able to suit up in FIBA-sanctioned events as they obtained their passport after the age of 16. With this, Gilas will need more additional help, especially in the middle.

"I need a bigger naturalized player because they got their passport over the age of 16 but we're trying to maximize 'yung tulong nila and sacrifices nila. We want to have more tournaments with them like Jones Cup, SEA Games, and yung mga international invitations."

—JMB, GMA News