Filipino-American forward Lawrence Domingo is in a race against time to secure his Philippine passport, a crucial document that will make him eligible to join the Philippine Basketball Association Annual Rookie Draft next month.
The 6-foot-5 former Alab Pilipinas star said he is leaving no stone unturned in joining the PBA, knowing that he is no longer getting any younger.
"I am 30 now, so if the next draft comes after my birthday next year, I won't be able to join the league," said Domingo, who is planning to join the PBA as early as three years ago but the pandemic and the difficulty of securing his eligibility documents made it harder for him.
Under the PBA rules, rookie applicants must not be older than 30 years old if they want to join the draft.
Although the PBA is imposing a more lenient rule when it comes to Filipino-foreigners, the age limit of 30 years old stays.
Domingo said he hopes he will be able to secure his passport before the deadline of the submission of documents.
"I need to get a (Philippine) passport in time since the requirements just came out," added Domingo, who played along with Jeremiah Gray and Jason Brickman at Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League.
Gray is already playing for the Barangay Ginebra while Brickman is no longer eligible as he is already over the prescribed age limit. Brickman is now competing as an import in Taiwan.
Domingo, however, is determined to join the PBA this year.
"Nothing is stopping me now from joining the draft, but I need to secure the passport," Domingo said.
"I'm just waiting to see when that will be."