NBA Stars Javale McGee of the Denver Nuggets and Andray Blatche of the Brooklyn Nets have expressed an intention to play in the Olympics and other international cage meets.

However, despite their talent, Team USA has not given them the nod, not even as part of the 28 player pool that they have recently released. This pool will eventually be whittled down and form the national teams that will represent the United States in this year's FIBA World Championships in Spain and the Olympics in 2016.

From Philstar, Coach Chot Reyes of the Philippine National Team aka Gilas Pilipinas confirmed that they were in talks with the two players: "We're in discussion with Javale. However, he's just found out that he needs to undergo a procedure for his shin injury. With that development, it's prudent also to choose a backup. Blatche agreed to undergo the naturalization process. He wants to play for the Philippines," said Reyes.

McGee has long been a target for the Philippines. During an exhibition game in 2011, McGee was impressed with the Filipinos with their love and knowledge of the game. He also expressed a desire to play in international tournaments. There were already procedures to naturalize him in 2012 but the deal fell through. At that time, the Philippines was still confined to playing in Asian regional tournaments.

However, the Philippines eventually qualified for the FIBA World Championship to be held in Spain. Joining the team will mean they will play in the grandest international tournament this year.

Andray Blatche confirmed his intention with ESPN:

"I said I'm interested, so there's a good chance of it happening. Basically, just go over there, and I can imagine just win. Play. Hoop. Win. Whatever. I don't know."

Both McGee and Blatche were promising big men who were part of the Washington Wizards. They were known as a talented team but the aforementioned players were big question marks in terms of concentration and attitude. This is probably why Team USA did not consider them.

Blatche also joked that he was half-Filipino. When asked if he knew about his teammate's citizenship, Joe Johnson replied: "I don't know, but I know he's full of s---."

Andray Blatche, who asked us to call him Young Seymour, said he is half Filipino, which may not be true.

— Andrew Keh (@andrewkeh) January 30, 2014