SOME San Miguel players have welcomed the news that American player Bennie Boatwright may represent the country as a naturalized player.
Fajardo, Lassiter back Boatwright
"Masaya ako para kay Bennie. Malaking tulong siya para sa national team," said June Mar Fajardo when asked about his thoughts on Boatwright as a Gilas member.
Marcio Lassiter added: "I'm pretty sure he's willing to take that challenge as a big and it's gonna be a big challenge for him. But I'm super happy for him."
Boatwright is reported to have agreed to become a naturalized Filipino citizen to make him eligible to join the national team. If this happens, he will join Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, and NBA star Jordan Clarkson as naturalized players.
Boatwright fits Cone's system
Though the process may take time, the Beermen have no doubt that the former USC Trojan's strengths as a player will fit into coach Tim Cone's system.
"He's so versatile, he can space the floor as a shooter and you can put him in any position, and he's a smart guy," said Lassiter. "I think he'll fit seamlessly in any system. He just have to work on a few things, but he'll be fine."
"[Compared with other naturalized players in the past] he's taller, he's younger, he can shoot, he can post up, he can defend, and he can do a little bit of everything. That's what you want from [a naturalized player]. I feel like he's gonna be a great addition as long as he stays healthy," Lassiter said.
Looking at how Boatwright performed at San Miguel in its championship run in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, many believe that he could be a game-changer for Gilas.
"For sure yung laro niya sa San Miguel, madadala niya rin sa Gilas," said Fajardo. "Tingin ko maganda ang maiko-contribute ni Bennie sa national team."
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