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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Cone still hoping for Boatwright stint in Asian Games

Cone still hoping for Boatwright stint in Asian Games

Published Aug 16, 2026 01:14 pm

At A Glance

  • Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is still hoping that Bennie Boatwright could somehow be available for the national team's title defense in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games next month.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is still hoping that Bennie Boatwright could somehow be available for the national team’s title defense in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games next month.

Cone, himself, initially ruled out Boatwright for the tournament last week, noting that the Asian Games Organizing Committee had already stricken the 6-foot-10 center out of the list but the veteran coach revealed he hasn’t really given up on having the former San Miguel import for the team.

“We were hoping that Benny would be alright to play in the Asian Games (but) that looks very doubtful at this point,” said Cone.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, however, is closely monitoring the developments on Boatwright's naturalization papers which are only needing a signature from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The naturalization bill could also lapse into a law after 30 days since being forwarded to Malacañang which would allow Boatwright to process his Philippine passport.

Should Boatwright, somehow, make it, it would be a big boost for the Nationals who are keen to field an all-PBA players team along with naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

However, it also remains to be seen if Brownlee is back to his top shape after struggling in the last window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers due to injuries.

At this point, there is no plan of bringing Boatwright back in the country unless given the green light to play for the Asian Games.

Related Tags

Tim Cone Bennie Boatwright Gilas Pilipinas
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