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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider SBP optimistic with Boatwright's naturalization bid

SBP optimistic with Boatwright's naturalization bid

Published May 7, 2024 08:26 am

At A Glance

  • The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) sees a seamless naturalization process for Bennie Boatwright as he is being groomed to become one of the pillars of the Gilas Pilipinas program in the future.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) sees a seamless naturalization process for Bennie Boatwright as he is being groomed to become one of the pillars of the Gilas Pilipinas program in the future.

PBA_Images17_5_e4afc60e6e.jpg
Bennie Boatwright (PBA Images)

SBP executive director Erika Dy said Boatwright’s attempt to acquire Filipino citizenship has been promising with certain agencies giving positive feedback so far.

“Yesterday, we had a very good consultative meeting with Sen. (Francis) Tolentino and the Committee of Justice and Human Rights, a number of agencies were present there” Dy said at Tuesday's Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

“Each of those agencies explained their roles in the naturalization process, para mapadali ito para kay Bennie (Boatwright), and in fact, they already certified that as of yesterday there are no derogatory cases or complaints filed against Benny in the respective agencies which paves the way for his naturalization,” Dy added.

With Boatwright being added to Gilas roster, Dy reassured Justin Brownlee's spot in the lineup for future tournaments.

Last week, Sen. Sonny Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2646 which supports the citizenship bid of Boatwright. 

“Justin (Brownlee) is still our key naturalized player, coach Tim (Cone) is very clear about it. But ever since January when we started planning the new Gilas program,”

“Coach Tim said he will need a pool of naturalized players kasi di po natin masabi kung may injury, para lagi tayong merong backup,” she added.

The 6-foot-10 versatile big man could be the fourth active naturalized player for Gilas alongside Utah Jazz Jordan Clarkson, Ange Kouame and Brownlee.

The Nationals will have their hands full for this year as they are set to compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers in Latvia, where they face the host country on July 3 then Georgia on July 4.

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gilas pilipinas Bennie Boatwright
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