HIS focus on building the best Gilas Pilipinas lineup, Tim Cone admitted on Friday that San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright is a target for naturalization.
Cone confirmed that he and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) have already communicated to the 6-10 former USC Trojan their desire to have him as a future naturalized player for the Philippine national team.
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“We have sent feelers to him. But certainly nothing definite,” said Cone from Korea, where he is watching his youngest son Trevor play in a league game.
Boatwright has been impressive since replacing Ivan Aska as import in the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup, averaging an impressive 37.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in leading the Beermen to the finals.
The Beermen have been unbeaten since he joined the team and his fine play has sparked a growing clamor from fans for his naturalization.
Cone has made it clear that resident Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee is his first choice for naturalized player and is expected to play for Gilas in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers later this month if cleared by Fiba.
However, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said the Cone and the SBP has already eyed a list of players for what he described as a 'comprehensive naturalization program.
“It’s coach Tim’s call," Panlilio said from Bangkok. "And we have already discussed this. Actually, we have a targeted list of other players being eyed for a more comprehensive naturalization program.
"The idea here is to make the team better and fill up any void in the competitiveness of the team,” Panlilio added without naming other candidates.
Over the years, the SBP has gained the support of Congress in naturalizing players for the national team program, gaining Filipino citizenship for Marcus Douthit, Andray Blatche, Ange Koaume and Brownlee the last 14 years.
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