Asian countries hot on Paris spot

The race to the Paris Olympics among Asian countries is heating up with Jordan bringing in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to serve as its naturalized player for the FIBA Basketball World Cup that will be held in the Philippines from 25 August to 10 September.

Hollis-Jefferson, who led TNT Tropang Giga to the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup title early this year, is now processing his naturalization that will allow him to suit up for the Jordanians in the prestigious 32-nation tournament.

In fact, he is with the Falcons in their training camp in Lithuania and will make his debut when they compete in the Portugal Cup, a four-nation pocket tourney against Ivory Coast, Czech Republic and Portugal, as part of their buildup for the World Cup.

Tropang Giga head coach Jojo Lastimosa admitted that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas flirted with then possibility of hiring Hollis-Jefferson as naturalized player.

After all, aside from his vast experience in the international arena following impressive campaigns in the National Basketball Association, Turkey, Puerto Rico and South Korea, he is also very coachable and provides great energy to the team.

Hollis-Jefferson, however, already had his preferred destination.

"SBP officials, including (Gilas coach) Chot (Reyes) talked about it. But Rondae wants to play for a Muslim country," Lastimosa said in a Viber message to Daily Tribune, referring to his former import who is a devout Muslim.

"Rondae always wants to be the lone import."

But Jordan isn't the lone country that is beefing up to emerge as the top Asian country in the World Cup and be eligible for an automatic slot in the Paris Olympics next year.

China is also bringing out its big gun as it is set to parade naturalized Kyle Anderson of the Minnesota Timberwolves as its naturalized player.

Anderson, who averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists in the 2022-2023 regular season, was born in New York and reportedly has a Chinese great grandfather.

"With the promotion and support of all parties, Li Kai'er obtained Chinese nationality this morning," the China Basketball Association said on its Weibo social media account, using Anderson's Chinese name.