The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas expects Bennie Boatwright to be available for his much-awaited Gilas Pilipinas debut next month in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers after completing the process of his naturalization.
Executive director Erika Dy said during Tuesday’s SBP Congress that Boatwright is ‘most likely’ for the fifth window of qualification after being told that his Philippine passport has already been processed.
‘He already got his passport application last Friday and we were told earlier that [the passport] is ready for claiming,’ Dy said during the Congress held at Crowne Plaza.
Boatwright secured Filipino citizenship after a naturalization bill lapsed into law last August. But the San Miguel Beer import during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup and this season’s Commissioner’s Cup also had to take an oath of allegiance at the Philippine consulate in China, where he is currently playing, before submitting his passport application.
The 30-year-old is set to provide a big boost for Gilas in the upcoming window where Gilas takes on Syria and Iran in Seremban, Malaysia.
Dy said Boatwright was actually measured for his playing uniforms in anticipation of being included in the next window.
‘It’s really a big boost because aside from his outside shooting, he has height also,’ said Dy. ‘He’s a versatile player which we really need. Coach Tim Cone is very excited and even Bennie is excited so we’re really looking forward to having him very soon.’