De La Salle University will not bar Schonny Winston should he decide to join Gilas Pilipinas in major international events.
Green Archers head coach Derrick Pumaren told Daily Tribune that they will allow the 6-foot-4 swingman to join the Gilas Pilipinas pool in its training for various international tournaments.
Winston is the latest Filipino-American standout to be given clearance by the International Basketball Federation to suit up for the national squad.
Winston is having a strong season in the collegiate ranks.
The 23-year-old guard from Central Michigan University collected 84.429 statistical points to pace the Most Valuable Player derby of Season 85 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
Behind him are Forthsky Padrigao of Ateneo de Manila University with 76.571 SPs, Evan Nelle of La Salle with 73.6 SPs, Carl Tamayo of University of the Philippines with 72.714 SPs and reigning MVP Ange Kouame of Ateneo with 71.571 SPs.
After one round of action, Winston led the league in scoring with 21.29 points per game while ranking ninth in assist with 3.57 assists per game, second in steals with 3.0 per game while collaring 6.14 rebounds per outing.
Pumaren said seeing Winston suit up for Gilas will be a proud moment for the school.
“Of course, I will allow him,” Pumaren said in a telephone conversation on Sunday.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios agrees, saying that Winston’s inclusion in the program will be a major boost to Philippine basketball.
“Winston should be a good addition to the Gilas pool for the future of Gilas Pilipinas moving forward,” Barrios wrote in a sent message via Viber.
If ever, Winston will not be the first Green Archer to be part of the Gilas squad that is preparing for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on 10 November in Jordan and 13 November in Saudi Arabia.
Kevin Quiambao is also part of the program and is playing a pivotal role in the 20-man pool that is composed of players from the Philippine Basketball Association and Japanese B. League with rising star Kai Sotto at the middle.
Pumaren added that Winston is free to join Gilas training for as long as there will be no conflict in his schedule with La Salle, similar to the setup they have with Quiambao.
