BENNIE Boatwright is looking forward to teaming up with Justin Brownlee at Gilas Pilipinas in the 2026 Asian Games.
Boatwright moved closer to becoming a Filipino after he attended Wednesday morning's hearing called by the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
READ: Boatwright attends Senate hearing as his naturalization ramps up
The hope is that the process would be fast enough for Boatwright to become a naturalized citizen before the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan in September where the eligibility rules will reportedly be ‘passport-only’ with a three-year residency.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) believes Boatwright meets the eligibility rules, regardless of when he does get his Philippine passport, indeed allowing him to team up with Brownlee.
“For sure, I'm definitely looking forward to that (Asian Games),” he told reporters after San Miguel's win over Terrafirma last Wednesday. “I heard that you can have two imports, so me and Justin can play together. That would be exciting.”
Golden Gilas
Boatwright said if that happens, he will do everything to help Gilas retain the gold medal in the continental meet.
“I will do my best to help out, win another championship, but one step at a time. I have to get naturalized first, and then we go,” he said.
Wednesday was a long day for Boatwright, but he gamely responded to the questions of Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who chairs the committee, and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
The naturalization candidate also admitted he was nervous prior to the committee hearing, but was thankful he was accompanied by SBP executive director Erika Dy and Gilas team manager Alfrancis Chua.
“I had a long day. I had a Senate hearing, and then rested up, and came to the game,” said Boatwright.
“It went well. Boss Al and Erika from SBP accompanied me. It made everything easy and smooth. I enjoyed talking to the Senators. It went well. They were asking me a bunch of questions about my affinity for the Philippines. I was happy to talk about.”
“A little bit (nervous), but I don't feel much nervous. Everyone was so hospitable and welcoming.”
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