Gilas continues search for naturalization candidate

Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas manager Frankie Lim said they are not losing hope in finding the right import that would give them the needed inside presence.

"We’re not giving up," said Lim after prospective imports Dwayne Jones, Brian Butch and Earl Barron signed up with NBA teams.

"In less than a week we’ll come up with names of the players we’re targeting and we hope we could successfully get one this time," he added.

The Philippine developmental squad is looking for an import that they hope to naturalize and help them in their bid to earn a spot in the 2012 London Olympics.

Jones, who is top on Smart Gilas’ Serbian coach Rajko Toroman’s list, is reportedly signing up with the Phoenix Suns while another D-League standout Butch is close to inking a contract with the Denver Nuggets.

Barron, a former PBA import, was picked up by New York and posted a 17-point, 18-rebound performance in the Knicks’ 104-101 victory over the Boston Celtics on April 6.

Courtney Sims, Toroman’s original choice, however, turned out available after his contract with Capitanes de Arecibo of the Puerto Rican League expired last month.

But Lim said the Sims may not be a logical choice because he could be acquired by an NBA team NBA anytime soon. "He (Sims) is a player the team wants but we have to make sure because he might go to any NBA team anytime."