WHILE the naturalization of Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 prospect Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means of Gilas Women 3x3 will sail through for third and final reading at the Senate plenary next week, the applications of Bennie Boatwright and wrestler Matthew James Ramos may have to wait until April this year.
This after the two failed to show up on the first and second readings of their naturalization application at the Senate during the hearing of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, chaired by Senator Kiko Pangilinan.
READ Senate holds public hearing on Bennie Boatwright naturalization
Means will be a big boost to the Gilas Women 3x3 program while Diouf is being groomed for the Gilas 3x3 pool. Boatwright has long been anticipated to become part of the Gilas 5x5 team, joining naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame.
The Philippines also has Jordan Clarkson, Andray Blatche and Marcus Douthit, although the last two have long been retired.
Despite the delay in the application of Boatwright and wrestler Ramos, officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio are optimistic that the naturalization of the four will be done within the year.
“We don’t see any problem. And I think based on the support and eagerness of our senators, and their belief in the purpose of this naturalization, we can finally get these players to wear our national tricolors,” Gregorio told SPIN.ph.
“As former (first ever) SBP executive director, I support the naturalization process of the SBP. Basketball is the “national passion” of the Pinoys. We must support,” he added.
Gregorio also highlighted the value that Ramos brings to the Philippine national team.
The product of Purdue University is ranked No. 1 at 125 pounds in America by FloWrestling after dominating the CKLV back in December 2024.
A medal prospect for the 2028 LA Olympics, Ramos is a two-time All American and the 2023 NCAA (USA) runner-up.
“He (Ramos) is number one sa US and laki na sacrifice niya para ma-represent 'yung Pilipinas. His father is a Filipino citizen,” said Wrestling Association of the Philippines president Alvin Aguilar.
Meanwhile, Senate Committee on Sports chairman Sen. Bong Go rallied his colleagues to support the naturalization of the four athletes.
In a message sent to SPIN.ph, Go stressed that the importance of these steps for Philippine sports.
“During the past two games of Gilas, nakita po natin ang kakulangan ng team. Boatwright can play outside and inside. Although papasok na tayo sa next round, malaking tulong po kung sakaling maipasa natin ito,” said Go.
Since the naturalization proceedings of the four have already been passed on second round at the Lower House, Diouf and Means are now one hearing away before their application reaches the table of President Bongbong Marcos for signature.
Asked why the presence of Boatwright and Ramos was important, Gregorio stressed the two needs to go through the scrutiny of the senators in the committee.
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