CHICAGO - Sometime around 1:20 am on Thursday, while you're probably fast asleep, Bennie Boatwright is expected to arrive in Manila from China, multiple sources told SPIN.ph.
The prolific 6-foot-10, 235-pound American first entered the Philippine basketball scene last year as the replacement import for San Miguel, steering the Beermen to the PBA Commissioner's Cup title.
This time, though, he returns for a higher, greater purpose.
Cone says 'versatile' Boatwright much like Brownlee - only 3, 4 inches taller
An source said Boatwright will be in the Philippines in coordination with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to begin the naturalization process that will allow him to play for Gilas, hopefully in this next FIBA cycle or sooner.
Still in its infancy stage, Boatwright will start to comply with the basic documentation requirements such as a physical check-up, specimen signatures and actual photos.
The entire naturalization process can take up to eight months or a year, depending on the pace with which Congress will act and the influence of the lawmakers who will sponsor the bill to make Boatwright a naturalized Filipino citizen.
But as the great philosopher Lao Tzu once said, "a journey to a thousand miles begins with a single step."
ONCE THIS SHIP SAILS, BOATWRIGHT WILL BE WORTH THE WAIT.
Prior to turning pro, Boatwright played four years of college ball at USC Trojans. He played in 106 NCAA games and averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.
Undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Bennie sharpened his skills at the NBA G League and the Libertadores De Queretaro league in Mexico.
After his sterling PBA debut where he averaged a near triple-double, breaking down defenses with fantastic ease while making those around him better, Boatwright became the apple of Ginebra coach Tim Cone's eyes.
And when Cone was named the new Gilas coach last January, the lobby to bring Boatwright on board began in earnest.
Having just fulfilled his obligations with the Shanxi Loongs in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), there is no timetable yet on his return to California.
But the expectation is that Bennie will be in Manila for a while.
"It's good to use this trip to discuss with him all the particulars related to the naturalization process," the source said.
PAY THE MAN.
Depending on the federation, naturalized players are either paid on a monthly retainer or per event basis.
For instance, Andre Blatche was reportedly given at least $1 million per engagement while Jordan Clarkson got slightly more during the FIBA World Cup 2023, a person familiar with those contracts told me.
No word yet on what arrangement was reached between the SBP and Boatwright's camp.
But when we come across a talent such as Boatwirght, money - as long as it's within reasonable boundaries - should not be an object.
Get used to the name.
Bennie Boatwright will soon become a household name.
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