The plan all along is to have Bennie Boatwright play his first games for Gilas Pilipinas at the Asian Games in Nagoya later this year.
That plan, at the moment, seems to be in peril.
According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy, the deadline for the submission of entry by names for Asian Games participation has already lapsed, with the organizers now in the process of passport verification.
Boatwright Isn’t Technically Naturalized Yet
Therein lies the rub. While Boatwright’s naturalization bill was officially approved on its third and final reading by the Senate on 17 June, he still isn’t naturalized just yet. In fact, it might take at least a month before it completely takes effect.
At the moment, the bill is still at President Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos’ office and awaiting either his signature or for it to lapse into law after 30 days. A mandatory 15-day publication period will then follow for the naturalization to take effect, after which Boatwright will take his official Oath of Allegiance and receive his Certificate of Naturalization.
Only then can the San Miguel Beerman apply for his Philippine passport, which could take another couple of days.
SBP Not Losing Hope
While Boatwright’s Asian Games stint seems to be on thin ice, the SBP isn’t losing hope just yet.
“The goal is paabutin siya [Boatwright],” Dy maintained. “Ang rule natin sa Asian Games is actually no limit to naturalized players. Ang definition nila diyan is nasa Pilipinas for at least three years and we know Bennie first played for San Miguel three years ago so pasok siya doon sa residency. Ang issue na lang is passport talaga kung kelan lalabas kasi may long list, short list deadline tayo na hinahabol.”
There’s a sliver of hope then. But, from all indications, it’s looking like Boatwright might not make the cut.
Justin Brownlee–Bennie Boatwright Pairing in Limbo
Boatwright’s inclusion in Gilas for the Asian Games would’ve been a massive boost for the national team, as he would be pairing up with fellow PBA import Justin Brownlee. And between JB and Bennie Buckets, Gilas would’ve had the kind of firepower that could overwhelm even the best teams in Asia.
But, as things stand now, that prospect of Boatwright and Brownlee sharing the court for the Philippines is starting to fade away—one long day at a time.
Dy, though, vowed that the SBP will try to pull strings and still make it happen.
