Robin Lopez Would Love to Play for the Philippines

Andray Blatche might not be the only other NBAer to talk his way into a spot on the Filipino national hoops team. Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez also wants in.

Lopez fell in love with the Philippines during a recent three-day visit, and says he’s down to play internationally for them (as a naturalized citizen.) Per SPIN.PH:

“If the whole Andray Blatche thing doesn’t work out, I’m here for Gilas,” Lopez said on Thursday after conducting a training camp organized by Gatorade and NBA Philippines at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

 

“I don’t wish any harm to come to Dray because obviously he’s played his heart out for that team and he’s a great fit,” the Portland Trail Blazer said, referring to Blatche, who reinforced Gilas as a naturalized Filipino in the recent Fiba World Cup.

 

“I’d love to (play for the country). I realized the passion these people have for basketball,” said Lopez, whose brother Brook played with Blatche at Brooklyn in the last NBA season.