If all goes according to plan, PBA champion import Bennie Boatwright will have his Gilas Pilipinas baptism of fire in the upcoming Asian Games, set to take place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Part of that plan began to take shape on Wednesday as Boatwright’s naturalization took a step forward following his attendance at a hearing called by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Once the process is completed, the 6-foot-10 shooter will receive his Philippine passport, which will make him eligible for the Asian Games, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. The Asian Games (and SEA Games) are not under the auspices of FIBA and generally require only a passport for eligibility.
Boatwright Optimistic but Taking Things One Step at a Time
Boatwright is enthusiastic about the possibility of playing for Gilas in the Asian Games, where the Philippines is the reigning gold medalist. The sweet-shooting forward is naturally excited about potentially teaming up with Justin Brownlee, whose efforts in leading Gilas to gold in the last Asian Games are etched in the continental meet’s rich basketball history.
“For sure, I’m definitely looking forward to that [Asian Games],” Boatwright told reporters after the San Miguel Beermen beat the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday night. “I heard that you can have two imports, so me and Justin can play together. That would be exciting.”
That prospect is indeed exciting, as Boatwright would form a prolific one-two punch with Brownlee and give Gilas plenty of additional firepower. But first, the prolific Beerman wants the naturalization process completed before anything else.
“I will do my best to help out, win another championship, but one step at a time. I have to get naturalized first, and then we go,” he said.
Bennie Boatwright is almost there. Hopefully, his naturalization concludes the soonest.
