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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Boatwright ready for the final stretch of naturalization

Boatwright ready for the final stretch of naturalization

Published Apr 20, 2026 10:32 pm

At A Glance

  • Boatwright's naturalization filed through Senate Bill No. 1595 and House Bill No. 6639 was set to be tackled at the Senate committee level last month but was deferred to April due to the 6-foot-10 import's absence as he was still playing in South Korea during that time.


It’s not only San Miguel that is benefitting in the return of Bennie Boatwright to the PBA.
The 6-foot-10 center can now also focus on his naturalization process now that he’s already in the country, hoping to finally join Gilas Pilipinas in its future tournaments.
Boatwright’s naturalization filed through Senate Bill No. 1595 and House Bill No. 6639 was set to be tackled at the Senate committee level last month but was deferred to April due to the 6-foot-10 import’s absence as he was still playing in South Korea during that time.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Boatwright told the members of the press after the Beermen’s 98-94 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday.
“I think we have one more hearing in the Senate and I think I should be good to go after that. It's nice that I'm here,” added the sweet-shooting big man who seemed to have not missed a step in his return and even after an Achilles injury, firing 41 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists in the first game back.
Although it’s been awhile since his naturalization began rolling in the congress, the excitement to don the Philippine tri-colors remained the same for Boatwright.
“I keep that in mind every day when I'm training, just preparing for it,” Boatwright said. “I think it's a real good opportunity and I'm grateful for it. I'm very confident. I'm just staying patient,” he added.
Depending on when he finally gets the green light to become a naturalized player, Boatwright could make his debut as early as the July window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
He could even be available to play for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, joining fellow naturalized players Ange Kouame and Justin Brownlee as according to reports, the Games are only applying a ‘passport only’ rule.

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