NATURALIZATION. Bennie Boatwright (right) tries to score on a jumper during his stint as import of San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner's Cup early this year. The bid for the naturalization of the 6-foot-10 former USC Trojan has begun. (PBA photo)
MANILA – Bennie Boatwright III, eyed as a key addition to the national basketball team, shall be granted Filipino citizenship if the measure filed by lawmakers is approved.
Senator Sonny Angara, who serves as chairperson of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), said Thursday that he filed Senate Bill 2646, which seeks to grant citizenship to the 6-foot-10 former US NCAA Division I player.
“Boatwright will be a very strong addition to the Gilas Pilipinas squad and will make us even more competitive in international tournaments including the Asian Games, World Cup and even the Olympics,” Angara said.
This comes after preliminary meetings were held between Boatwright and SBP officials, including its president, Al Panlilio, who has stated that the national team has found “the right guy.”
Boatwright, 27, boasts an impressive resume, including stints in the NBA G League, Mexican LNBP, Chinese CBA, and Philippine Basketball Association, where he helped San Miguel Beer win the 2023-2024 Commissioner's Cup in February.
He averaged over 40 points a game and once erupted for 51.
“Boatwright adds depth to Gilas Pilipinas. With his height and ability to shoot from the perimeter, Boatwright will definitely help the national team as a two-way player,” the senator added.
Meanwhile, Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno, who serves as SBP vice-chairperson, is set to file a counterpart measure in the House of Representatives.
Once naturalized, Boatwright will likely serve as the backup to Justin Brownlee and join Ange Kouame and Jordan Clarkson as naturalized players for the national team. (PNA)
