SENATOR Sonny Angara got the ball rolling on Bennie Boatwright's naturalization, setting in motion the process that would make the former San Miguel import the latest reinforcement of the Gilas Pilipinas pool.
Angara, who also serves as chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), on Monday filed Senate Bill No. 2646, which seeks to grant Filipino citizenship to the 27-year-old former USC Trojan and NBA G League mainstay.
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Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno, who serves as SBP vice chairman, will file the counterpart measure in the House of Representatives.
“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 in a statement.
READ Bennie Boatwright says Gilas offer a no-brainer
Angara said the bill was filed after preliminary talks between Boatwright and SBP officials led by president Al Panlilio, who after the meeting expressed confidence that the 6-9 player is the 'right guy' for the Gilas program.
Angara said Boatwright expressing a 'strong willingness' to play for the Philippines will help his naturalization bid. His naturalization will 'be beneficial to Philippine basketball as we move to improve our global standing,' the senator added.
Once naturalized, Boatwright is expected to serve as backup to fellow naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who, at 36, is set to suit in Gilas' next mission - the Olympic qualifying tournament in Latvia in July.
Boatwright will also be the fourth naturalized player in the national team after Ange Kouame, Jordan Clarkson, and Brownlee.
“Boatwright adds depth to Gilas Pilipinas," said Angara. "With his height and ability to shoot from the perimeter, Boatwright will definitely help the national team as a two-way player."
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