Sen. Angara has filed bill granting Philippine citizenship to National Basketball Association (NBA) player Andray Blatche to help strengthen the national team competing in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. The former Aurora congressman filed Senate Bill 2108 citing the urgent need to have a pool of naturalized players along with Marcus Douthit and equalize the world basketball landscape historically ruled by the American and European countries. He said SB 2108 seeks to increase team's over all capability and consider Blatche as backup in case of injuries. Blatche an American 6-11 power forward center with the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA with career averages of 9.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game has expressed interest to play for the Philippines. The 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup takes place on Aug. 30, 2014 to Sep. 14, 2014 in Spain. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) allows one naturalized player to play per tournament per country.
