BENNIE Boatwright showed up on Friday in the PBA games feeling excited about joining the Gilas Pilipinas program as a naturalized player.
Boatwright arrived in the country and went to the Philsports Arena to watch San Miguel, the team he led to a championship in the Commissioner’s Cup, play Converge in the Philippine Cup.
Going back to Manila after the conclusion of his stint with the Shanxi Loongs in the Chinese Basketball Association was no chore as he looks forward to undergoing the naturalization process.
Boatwright said he got the word of Gilas Pilipinas’ interest for him to be part of the national pool right after San Miguel swept Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Ironically, in that semifinal victory, the team that Boatwright beat was coached by Tim Cone, who is also taking charge of the Gilas Pilipinas national team program.
“It started with a couple of players, they were mentioning me,” said Boatwright. “After we played Ginebra, Boss Al (Chua) asked me if I was interested. And I said for sure. Ever since then, the ball has been rolling.”
Boatwright had no hesitation in accepting the invitation.
“For sure, very easy decision. It was a no-brainer,” said Boatwright.
Boatwright’s naturalization process is expected to take time, and Justin Brownlee will remain as Gilas Pilipinas’ primary player in that spot. The 27-year-old Boatwright doesn’t mind being in a back-up role with Gilas Pilipinas.
“It’s a great feeling knowing what he’s accomplished,” said Boatwright, referring to Brownlee. “I’m excited. I will bring my best foot forward and I’m excited to play.”
“As the opportunity came and the experience of playing in the Philippines, you can’t say no to that,” said the former University of Southern California player who now sports a cornrose hair-doo.
Boatwright is coming off a stint in the CBA where he averaged 17.2 points and 2.5 threes in the game for the Loongs. His team, however, failed to make it to the quarterfinals.
The Los Angeles, California native suited up for NBA G League teams Memphis Hustle and Fort Wayne Mad Ants early in his professional career.
In 2023, Boatwright played in Mexico with Libertadores de Queretaro, and played for San Miguel later that year to serve as replacement to Ivan Aska in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
With Boatwright leading the charge, San Miguel captured title by beating Magnolia in six games. It was Boatwright’s first pro title of his career.
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