NEW YORK (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The Philippines will have a squad of virtual unknowns for most of the coaches and players that will be at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

There aren't too many fans outside of Asia who know much about the national side known as Gilas Pilipinas, either.

The Filipinos have not been on the international hoops radar for a very long time.

They have taken part in numerous FIBA Asia Championships but when it comes to FIBA's flagship event, the last one the Filipinos played in was back in 1978, when they hosted the competition in Manila.

Thirty-six years later and they're back, and most assuredly, as big underdogs in a Group B that includes Argentina, Greece, Senegal, Croatia and Puerto Rico.

Those games will be played in Sevilla.

One cause for hope that an upset or two may be in the cards is the likelihood that either Brooklyn Nets center Andray Blatche or Philippines veteran Marcus Douthit will be in the Gilas squad coached by Chot Reyes.

The process to naturalize Blatche began several weeks ago.

He is currently playing for the Nets in the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Miami Heat.

"I am excited," Blatche said to NBA.com.

"This is something new. It is a blessing for this opportunity.

"Hopefully I can share my talent in helping the Philippines."

Blatche averaged more than 22.2 minutes per game during the regular season with the Nets but in the postseason has been given 15.1mpg.

Even if Blatche doesn't play, the Philippines will have the services of big man Douthit, their leading scorer and rebounder at last year's FIBA Asia Championship.

One advantage to keeping Douthit in the squad would be continuity.

Even if all goes well with the naturalization process, it's unclear when Blatche would be able to link up with the Gilas.

He is going to exercise his clause to become a free agent after the season and has been advised to remain in the United States until his future is determined.

With that in mind, there is talk of Gilas having a training camp in Miami at the beginning of August.

Blatche spends his off-seasons in the sunny climes of Florida.

Former USA big man Chris Bosh, meanwhile, was asked by Philstar.com about Blatche and whether he could help Gilas.

"Andray's a talented guy," Bosh said.

"He's a natural scorer. As for defense, it's all about effort.

"You put in the effort and you're fine defensively. I think he can help any team in the World Cup."

FIBA