EVERYTHING is coming together as far as Bennie Boatwright is concerned.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced the naturalized player has already been issued his passport exactly a month before the national men’s team resumes its campaign in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The issuance of Boatwright’s passport by the Department of Foreign Affairs came barely a week after the 6-foot-11 import took his oath of Philippine allegiance at the Philippine embassy in China, where the former SMB import is currently playing.
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“I just received a text message just before coming up to the podium that his passport is now ready,” said Dy, who was tasked to deliver the SBP 2026 report during its National Congress held on Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas.
Boatwright securing his passport gives SBP enough time to submit his documents in time for the Nov. 14 deadline set by FIBA for him to be eligible to play in the penultimate window of the qualifiers set in Seremban, Malaysia by the end of November.
Dy mentioned the possibility of Boatwright suiting up in the team’s Nov. 27 game against Syria and Nov. 29 opposite Iran.
“Most likely,” said the SBP executive during a break in the Congress attended no less by SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and federation president Ricky Vargas.
“As I mentioned earlier, complete na yung naturalization process. We already got his passport application last Friday, and this week siya lalabas. Actually sabi kanina, claiming na lang.”
Boatwright will be the third current naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas after Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.
Malick Diouf has been naturalized for Gilas men’s 3x3 basketball.
“His addition is something to look forward to as we continue working our way to Los Angeles 2028,” added Dy.
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