Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the 6-6 Ateneo center who helped the Blue Eagles capture the UAAP basketball championship last Thursday, celebrates with fans after their clinching 71-58 victory over the University of the East. (Photo by BOB DUNGO JR.)

Rabeh Al-Hussaini has started preliminary talks with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) with regards to his possible stint as member of Smart-Gilas national developmental team.

Sportsman Arben Santos, who represents the six-foot-six Ateneo star, said he has talked with SBP executive-director Noli Eala about Al-Hussaini’s role in the team.

“Rabeh did not sign up immediately with Smart-Gilas because he wanted to finish his commitments with Ateneo. Now that the UAAP is over, he’s now ready to negotiate,” Santos said.

Santos made it clear, however, that completing a college degree remains Al-Hussaini’s top priority.

“Rabeh still has one semester and one summer left before he graduates. This is one of the things that we need to discuss with SBP,” he said.

Al-Hussaini is taking up inter-disciplinary studies.

Santos said he doesn’t see any problem with the ongoing talks.

“Well, Noli and MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) are Ateneans so they understand the importance of education,” he said.

Santos said there’s a big chance that Al-Hussaini will suit up for Smart-Gilas in the PBA Philippine Cup which kicks off Sunday.

Al-Hussaini led the Blue Eagles to back-to-back titles and was named Finals Most Valuable Player.

Al-Hussaini had 21 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Eagles to a 71-58 rout of University of the East for the UAAP championship last Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

He is one of three players on Serbian coach Rajko Toroman’s wish list, the others being University of the East's Paul Lee and 6-10 Junmar Fajardo of University of Cebu.

Smart-Gilas begins its PBA campaign on Friday against Burger King.

Al-Hussaini credited his transformation into one of the country’s premier centers to Ateneo coach Norman Black.

“Naisip ko din kasi dati nung first year ko siguro magiging average player lang ako,” said Al-Hussaini. “May mga times din na nagbutt heads kami pero naisip ko siya yung coach e at kailangan makinig ako sa kanya.”

Al-Hussaini was also named as the league’s Most Valuable Player last season after leading Ateneo to the first of its back-to-back titles.