Legendary Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) import and Hall-of-Famer Billy Ray Bates, known fondly as the “Black Superman,” is “seriously considering” applying for a Filipino citizenship.
Bates, who won championships while playing for Crispa and Ginebra in the 1980s, returned to the Philippines last October to be inducted to the PBA Hall of Fame.
He was given a job as the skills coach of the Philippine Patriots in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) and has yet to return to the United States.
“I can see myself living in the Philippines for the next seven years or maybe forever,” Bates told Joaquin Henson of The Philippine Star. “I want to apply for Filipino citizenship.”
“I love the Philippines and the Filipino people,” he added.
Bates said he is still looking for sponsors to help him bring his wife, Beverly, to the Philippines.
“I’m open to endorsements, although nothing is final yet on that end. There are negotiations, though, for me to endorse certain products,” he said.
He thanked Patriots co-owner Mikee Romero for giving him the chance to make a living in his second home.
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