Naturalized Players in 2019 WC

[Tesla]

All naturalized players are the US-born.

Montenegro also has Milko Bjelica, who is a naturalized Serbian.

Which countries have never used a naturalized player? Serbia, Lithuania. Anyone else?

[ja.he]

No he didn't. The rule was already in place when he first played for the Greek NT.

Back then it was much easier for "well connected" federations to get the General Secretary clearance that's outlined in clause 21.b of the Book 3.

Now things have changed, FIBA doesn't do any favours anymore.

we can actually ask for favors for clarkson quite easier if patrick baumann. too bad, he's gone now. it's harder to ask favors since the current sec-gen is a lithuanian and we all know lithuania is not fielding a naturalized player and mixed race or dual citizens in their team. hoping we can get a compromise from fiba since philippines is the main host of the 2023 world cup.

[Straight forward]

Montenegro also has Milko Bjelica, who is a naturalized Serbian.

Which countries have never used a naturalized player? Serbia, Lithuania. Anyone else?

Latvia probably.

[Tesla]

The day that Lithuania & Serbia naturalize players is the day Europe dies.

[ja.he]

The day that Lithuania & Serbia naturalize players is the day Europe dies.

indeed, they have so much pride on themselves. well, that two countries have two of the best basketball programs in the world.

[Picek]

The day that Lithuania & Serbia naturalize players is the day Europe dies.

in mens basketball you mean.

[JGX]

Also, it's not a naturalization, but Ekpe Udoh is playing for Nigeria, having never lived there (both parents are from Nigeria).

That's the case for almost all of the Nigerian players...I think Eric, Zanna, and Okogie are the only ones that ever lived in Nigeria.

[Mindozas]

Latvia probably.

Latvia had at least one (in 2003 or 2005) - Troy Ostler, even tho they renamed him to Trojs Ostlers to confuse next generations

[saritasbora]

The day that Lithuania & Serbia naturalize players is the day Europe dies.

lol more like "the day that Lithuania and Serbia naturalize players is the day racism will die"

[CoachZ]

lol more like "the day that Lithuania and Serbia naturalize players is the day racism will die"

I don't understand this statement? What does our decision to not use foreign players have to do with racism?

[Toruko]

I don't understand this statement? What does our decision to not use foreign players have to do with racism?

He means since the majority uses those players you should also do. Its just a joke i guess.

[Mindozas]

He means since the majority uses those players you should also do. Its just a joke i guess.

So he should say nationalism maybe, cause we might get someone white you know (hope we won't ever since we talk about national team competition). Anyway, if it's a joke, it has a poor taste, since he is on international board

[CoachZ]

It's a prejudiced statement to say the least.

[Toruko]

I am against naturalized player but I dont have a problem when a player was raised by a certain basketball culture but giving someone just a passport is the wrong way.

[Tesla]

lol more like "the day that Lithuania and Serbia naturalize players is the day racism will die"

I hope he's joking, but just in case I need to clarify any sentiments...

1. It's not a racist statement.
2. I hate racism it makes me feel sick.