By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Who would love to see George King don the Gilas Pilipinas blue and white jersey in an international basketball game?
Moments after his record-setting 64-point performance in his final stint with the Blackwater Bossing franchise in the PBA Governor’s Cup, the former NBA talent expressed his desire to represent the Philippines and play for the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball program.
“I would love to play for the national team. I would love to put that blue no. 94 jersey on, I would love to do that,” King said in an interview with the local press.
Despite arriving halfway through the PBA season, King was able to revive Blackwater’s hopes of a playoff qualification but their goals crashed when the NLEX Road Warriors edged the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in an overtime battle.
King’s journey with the PBA then concluded, but the Blackwater management already aired their plan of bringing him back for the next import-laced conference.
During his final game with Blackwater against Rain or Shine, King left it all on the PBA hardwood and showcased a performance for the ages when he dropped 64 points.
His 64-point performance is the most scored by any import in this year’s Governor’s Cup, propelling Blackwater to a convincing 139-118 win over the Elastopainters.
The do-it-all skipper gave his best in his last game wearing the Blackwater jersey, schooling every Rain or Shine defender thrown at him in 41 minutes of playing time.
Aside from his insane scoring display, King also pulled down 13 big rebounds and was a huge piece to Blackwater’s spectacular defensive show in the shaded lane.
King’s two-way efficiency resembles the playing style of Gilas’ current naturalized player Justin Brownlee, and will be a huge boost if he decides to undergo the process of Filipino citizenship in preparation for the next FIBA World Cup.
