CHRIS Taft, a 6’11” American reinforcement from Brooklyn, New York, is now in Manila.

Taft has joined the Smart-Gilas Philippine national men’s basketball team’s scrimmages last night at the Far Eastern University gym. The American, who used to play for the Golden State Warriors before back spasms sidelined him from action in the National Basketball Association two years ago, arrived from Atlanta.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officials have invited him to join the tryouts for the nationals. They wanted to see if he can pass the standard of Serbian national mentor Rajko Toroman.

SBP executive director Noli Eala said Taft could join the team as a naturalized player if he passes.

“From the way we saw him, he seems to be in great shape. We’ll see if he can fit in with the team,” said Eala when Taft arrived early in the morning.

Eala added that tall Cebuano Junemar Fajardo is being eyed as well with Ateneo slotman Rabeh Al-Hussaini and University of the East’s Paul Lee. Al-Hussaini and Lee are set to join the nationals after the coming Univesity Athletic Association of the Philippines season.

They will choose more members of the national squad from a selection of 20 Fil-Am cagers when they conduct another tryout this  May in Las Vegas.

The 6’10” Japeth Aguilar, who is now studying in West Kentucky University, is one of those invited to join the scrimmages with Giancarlo Chiu.

“We need another big man, and one more wingman. After this, we’re fine,” stated Eala.

The national quintet, which is co-captained by Chris Tiu, Mark Barroca and JV Casio, will head for Serbia on March 27, and will be there for 12 days to play against professional teams. Then, they will head for the United States to undergo a training camp in  Las Vegas. They will then see action in Fiba Asia Cup in Jakarta this May.