From Marques Bolden to Derick, Doubtful to Appear in SEA Games in Cambodia, Perbasi Will Naturalize Players

 

The preventive steps were taken by the Central Board of the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) ahead of the 2023 SEA Games Cambodia.

 Welcoming the biennial event in Southeast Asia, Perbasi proposed players to be naturalized in order to strengthen the red and white team.

This decision was taken because three key players from the Indonesian Basketball National Team, Marques Bolden, Derrick Michael, and Agassi Goantara were doubtful about appearing.

In the plan withdrawn by Perbasi, it is clear that it is intended to defend the gold medal from the men's 5x5 basketball at the last SEA Games.

 "The plan is to (naturalize new players) because (Marques) Bolden may not be able to participate. So is Derrick (Michael), a possibility too," said Wahyu.

 "That's why we are looking for options. Then Agassi (Goantara) also depends on the school," he continued.

Apart from naturalization, Perbasi will also monitor several players who still have Indonesian blood, who also hold homeland passports.