Angara files bill supporting Bennie Boatwright's citizenship bid
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has filed a bill supporting the citizenship bid of Bennie Boatwright III who is being eyed as another addition to the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team.
Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2646 seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to the 27-year old Boatwright.
The move comes after preliminary meetings between Boatwright and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officials, including its President Al Panlilio, who has stated that the team has found “the right guy.”
Angara serves as chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
The senator said the six-foot-ten former University of Southern California Trojans star has an impressive resume, which includes stints in the NBA G League, the Mexican Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and our very own Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
“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.
“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,” Angara said.
Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno, who serves as SBP vice chairman, is also expected to file the counterpart bill in the House of Representatives.
Once naturalized, Boatwright is expected to serve as the backup of fellow naturalized player Justin Brownlee in the Gilas Pilipinas roster.
This will bring to four the naturalized players available to play for the national team namely Brownlee, Ange Kouame, Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson, and Boatwright.