BENNIE Boatwright and Justin Brownlee playing together for Gilas Pilipinas at the 2026 Asian Games became a distinct possibility under the initial interpretation of the eligibility rules of the quadrennial showpiece's basketball competitions.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Ericka Dy said passports are the basic requirement to be eligible to play for the national team in Nagoya, Japan based on the technical handbook of the Asiad.
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The rule has a qualifier that the athlete must also meet a three-year residency to be able to be eligible.
“Meron na tayong technical handbook. The rule is passport only with three-year residency,” said Dy on Monday.
Upon consultation with the Philippine Olympic Committee, Dy learned that Boatwright might meet the requirement since he played as a San Miguel import during the 2023-24 season of the PBA in the Commissioner's Cup.
“It is still possible, as per [POC] Pres. Bambol (Tolentino), I spoke to him about it, na puwede yung kay Boatwright because two years ago, he played here. So ipapakita lang yun,’’ said Dy.
Boatwright started playing for San Miguel as a replacement for Ivan Aska on December 25, 2023.
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Boatwright is still in the process of getting naturalized after his return to play for San Miguel in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup.
Based on the initial interpretation by the POC and the SBP, the passport didn't necessarily have to be issued three years ago.
“Parang gray area daw yung three-year residency. It doesn't mean na dapat three years na na-issue yung passport.” said Dy.
The presence of Boatwright to team up with Brownlee would be a huge boost to Gilas Pilipinas' bid to repeat as gold medalist after its historic title run in Hangzhou in 2023.
“Let's see. Ang plano naman ni Coach Tim (Cone) is to use the full Gilas team,” said Dy.
Dy said there is an April 30 deadline set by the POC for the submission of initial lineups. The SBP executive said they plan to submit the names of 15 to 20 players currently in the Gilas pool of Cone, plus a few more.
Naturalized player Ange Kouame and newly recognized Gilas local Mike Phillips are also expected to be in the lineup.
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