PNVF eyeing naturalized players

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) is seriously considering the possibility of tapping a naturalized player to strengthen its national teams while expanding its grassroots program to develop the next generation of Filipino volleyball players.

In an episode of “Off the Court,” the weekly online sports show of DAILY TRIBUNE, PNVF deputy executive director Juanito Gregorio said the federation has started evaluating potential recruits, with an eye toward improving the country’s competitiveness in future international tournaments.

“We are already considering naturalizing a player. We’re still in the discussion and evaluation stage, but everyone agrees that we could bring in a naturalized player,” Gregorio said.

“It’s more complicated in volleyball because we have to work with the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) and comply with its requirements. The process is longer, but we’ve agreed that we’re interested, particularly with the World Championship in mind.”

Gregorio said the federation has begun exploring possible recruiting markets but has yet to identify specific candidates in light of the Philippine Sports Commission announcing its support of national sports associations looking to beef up their rosters.

The federation has also consulted agents to help identify potential recruits, including outside hitters and middle blockers who could immediately strengthen the national teams or younger players who could be developed locally.

“We’re considering countries in Africa and the United States, where there is a lot of talent. Players in Europe and Japan, for example, may already be firmly committed to their national programs, making recruitment more difficult,” Gregorio said.

“We don’t have specific names yet. We hope the agents can present suitable candidates in the coming months so we can begin the process.”

Recruiting a naturalized player is nothing new in Philippine sports, with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas being a prime example on how it works under the right circumstances.

Longtime Barangay Ginebra player Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame were not just seen as naturalized players but also key pieces in Gilas Pilipinas’ Asian Games gold medal conquest in 2023 that broke the country’s 61-year drought.

Gregorio said any recruitment would depend on FIVB eligibility rules and the completion of the necessary paperwork, particularly for players who have already been registered with another country’s federation.

He stressed that naturalization would complement rather than replace the country’s existing talent, citing promising players such as Bella Belen, Angel Canino and Shaira Nitura in the women’s program, as well as Louie Ramirez and Bryan Bagunas in the men’s team.

“We want to add to their talent pool as we prepare for the World Championship, not replace anyone,” Gregorio said.

“We want to strengthen the talent we already have. Ultimately, everything will depend on the FIVB’s requirements and the necessary paperwork.”