By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The process for Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team finally began confirmed on May 2, 2024.
Sen. Sonny Angara, the chairman of the SBP, already filed Senate Bill No. 2646 earlier this week, officially starting Boatwright’s bid for Filipino naturalization.
Boatwright, a six-foot-ten behemoth who can carry and score the leather like a guard, recently led the San Miguel Beermen to a championship title during the last PBA Commissioner’s Cup conference.
The stretch big man was phenomenal during his campaign with the Beermen and quickly turned heads in his PBA debut, averaging 30.31 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.46 assists per game.
Despite playing as a first-timer in the import-laced conference, Boatwright was unstoppable during their grand finals series against the Magnolia Hotshots Chicken Timplados and steered the Beermen to a title.
Savvy, crafty, and always calm under pressure, Boatwright displayed a unique skill set at his size, scoring easily against the tight defensive coverages given to him by all the PBA teams he encountered.
Perhaps the ultimate weapon that will make him a great fit for Gilas is his ability to knock down shots from the outside. He can also post up players in the interior and swing the rock out if under double-team situations.
Boatwright is only 27 years old, a perfect reinforcement to the national team and is currently looking for youth that can complement Justin Brownlee’s game on the international stage.
According to the SBP, Boatwright will not be replacing Brownlee, the current naturalized import of the national team. He will be playing as a secondary backup to the Ginebra star and will have the luxury to play alongside him depending on the rules of the event that they will be participating in.
