While it doesn’t seem like it, the Philippines actually has a pool of naturalized players. It isn’t big by any means, but it’s also not just Justin Brownlee. Joining him in this shortlist are big man Ange Kouame, sweet‑shooting Bennie Boatwright, and even NBA veteran Jordan Clarkson.
Meaning, any one of Kouame, Boatwright, and Clarkson should be good to go with Brownlee unable to play. Unfortunately for Gilas Pilipinas, Brownlee is likely out for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Even more unfortunate, neither Kouame, Boatwright, nor Clarkson is available to take JB’s place.
Kouame Is in France
Among the three, Kouame’s case is most straightforward. The 6‑foot‑10 big currently has a contract in France, and this contractual obligation, according to Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone, is the reason the former Ateneo Blue Eagle won’t be available.
“Our other naturalized player that we would have brought, Ange Kouame, is in France under contract,” Cone told reporters.
Kouame had previously played for Gilas Pilipinas in the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he helped the Philippines win the gold medal.
Boatwright Technically Isn’t Filipino
Boatwright’s case is a bit more complicated. He’s already, in some ways, a naturalized Filipino as House Bill No. 6639 had been cleared by both Congress and Senate, has lapsed into law, and has been subjected to the mandatory 15‑day posting period in the Official Gazette. Unfortunately, he still doesn’t have a Philippine passport, as it appears he hasn’t cleared the final steps of the naturalization process just yet.
“We couldn’t get Bennie Boatwright. His paper is done, he still doesn’t have his passport. He hasn’t had his final approval yet so we haven’t been able to get that done,” explained Cone, who is also unsure of Boatwright’s availability for the Asian Games, where teams could field multiple naturalized players so long as they hold a passport.
Why Not Clarkson?
Signing up Clarkson is an interesting—but certainly complicated—route. The newly minted champion has already suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in a couple of tournaments, namely the 2018 Asian Games, Window 4 of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, and the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila. He has also expressed willingness—quite a few times, in fact—to suit up for the Philippines again.
Curiously, Cone said Clarkson’s contract with the New York Knicks is the biggest hurdle in bringing the Fil‑Am guard over. However, it should be noted that FIBA and the NBA have a longstanding agreement where NBA teams are obligated to release players for FIBA competitions with some concessions. Most notable of these is the need for the national federation to secure a temporary total disablement insurance policy that covers the full remaining value of the player’s NBA contract.
Meaning, a combination of politics and economics—not contractual hurdles—is likely the true reason the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas hasn’t tapped Clarkson at any time anymore, even with Gilas Pilipinas’ World Cup hopes now dimming more and more.
Why Not Go for Fil‑Foreigners?
Another option would’ve been to tap any one of the country’s top Fil‑foreigners for an added talent boost. A Sedrick Barefield, for instance, could’ve been a robust addition to Gilas Pilipinas. Ditto for Remy Martin, who recently played for Strong Group Athletics in the 45th William Jones Cup. Zavier Lucero, while neither a scorer nor a playmaker, would’ve brought size and defensive versatility to the wings, as would a Kai Balunggay.
But, as things stand now, Cone will be going with an all‑local lineup with no reinforcements to speak of. And this team will have the unenviable task of trying to beat two Middle East powerhouses in Jordan and Iran.
