It’s looking like Bennie Boatwright, the successor to Justin Brownlee at Gilas Pilipinas, will be ready to play for the national team in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Boatwright, according to multiple reports, already took his oath of allegiance to the Philippines, the penultimate step to his naturalization. Up next will be the issuance of a Philippine passport, which reports say would take about two weeks, or maybe even a few days. With the fifth window scheduled to take place from November 27 to 29 in Malaysia, that time frame would give the sweet-shooting big man more than enough time to complete the process and be deemed eligible—finally.
So, Boatwright Will Suit Up in November, Right?
Not so fast!
Believe it or not, there’s no guarantee Boatwright will be donning the Gilas Pilipinas colors this November even if already eligible. According to veteran scribe Quinito Henson, it isn’t a sure thing the one-time PBA champion will play in the fifth window because that decision ultimately rests on Tim Cone. And, apparently, the winningest coach on local shores isn’t fully committed to giving Boatwright JB’s spot just yet.
“Justin’s still one of our naturalized players for Gilas,” Cone supposedly told Henson. “We’re not ready to commit to either player. We’re hoping both will be healthy and available to us in our preps and make the decision then.”
In other words, Boatwright will still have to compete for a Gilas Pilipinas spot against a 38-year-old coming off multiple leg injuries and health issues that Cone has been vague about.
What’s Next for Gilas Pilipinas?
Gilas Pilipinas, currently at an even 4-4 in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, will next face Syria and Iran in the fifth window. Syria, holding a record of 2-6, will be first on November 27. Iran, with a record of 5-3 and still smarting from a 68-56 loss to the Philippines in the fourth window, will be next on September 29.
Both fifth window games will be held in Seremban, just south of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
