GILAS Pilipinas fans wanted it; the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas listened.
Bennie Boatwright, the San Miguel Beer import who endeared himself to Filipino fans with his complete game, is set to be naturalized to beef up the Gilas national team program, multiple sources confirmed to SPIN.ph.
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The 6-foot-10 former USC Trojan, who now plays for the Shanxi Loongs in the Chinese Basketball Association, has agreed to be naturalized and the process is expected to be launched anytime soon in Congress, a source added.
However, sources made it very clear that Boatwright is not being naturalized to serve as a replacement for Justin Brownlee, who is the designated naturalized player under the program laid down by new Gilas coach Tim Cone.
Instead the former SMB import will be added to a pool of naturalized players that will give Cone more options heading into tournaments, especially in non-Fiba events where Gilas can field more than one naturalized player.
In February, Cone confirmed that the SBP has sent feelers to Boatwright as part of a 'comprehensive naturalization program' for Gilas laid down by Panlilio.
The news comes like an answered prayer for some Gilas fans who have clamored for his naturalization after seeing Boatwright lead the Beermen to the PBA Commissioner's Cup championship, beating Magnolia in six games in the finals.
At present, Brownlee, who will turn 36 on April 23, is designated to play for Gilas in the Olympic Qualifiers in Latvia in July as well as the remaining window for the year of the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers in November.
But there are other naturalized player options for Gilas other than Brownlee, including France-based Ange Kouame, NBA standout Jordan Clarkson, and other Fil-foreign players who failed to secure their Philippine passport before turning 16.
Add Boatwright to that list; hopefully soon.
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