The Philippines has had its fair share of courting international talent to supplement Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign. And while the country manages competitive head-to-head matchups against its global counterparts, the role of the naturalized cager remains catalytic, more than often manning the reigns as the facilitator and most effective piece on the court.
From the program’s history of acquiring top-tier talent, one thing is certain—Gilas values size (well, minus Jordan Clarkson), as San Miguel Beermen’s (SMB) Bennie Boatwright Jr. presents a similar narrative.
The University of Southern California (USC) alumnus surfaced as SMB’s trojan horse during the 2023-24 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup campaign. He choreographed an 11-2 record with the squad, including a 51-point outing, and the franchise’s 5th chip (and 29th championship overall) with averages of 24.2 markers and 12 rebounds in the finals.
He now sides with the Chinese Basketball Association’s Shanxi Loongs, though keeps close contact with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). He reportedly agreed and submitted naturalization requirements, which the federation confirmed through a media advisory post.
Instagram: @samahangbasketbolngpilipinas
Boatwright appears as the “ideal” candidate for Tim Cone’s “constant” structure, noting his versatility and all-around ability on the hardwood, as the veteran PBA mentor personally reached out regarding the possibility.
“He’s got great size and he can play in and out. He’s very versatile and he kind of reminds me of a young Justin (Brownlee)—just, like, three or four inches taller,” the two-time Grand Slam coach mentioned.
“We have to get him into practice and get him into the system and everything else, but that’s a long way away…When we go to Latvia it’s gonna be Justin being the guy. But if we can get him (Boatwright) into practice and get him involved in the system, if something does—God forbid—happen to someone, he can be ready to step in. That’s the plan,” he added.
With Brownlee approaching the tail-end of his professional career, the SBP seems fixed on Boatwright’s ability to complement the program moving forward. At a youthful 23 years of age, only time will tell if he’ll be able to jell with the roster and find his footing on the international competitive scene.
Hopefully, if he's our next NP after Brownlee, we have a better defensive lineup at 4 and 5 to help him out there.
We will need Kai to anchor the defense better after JB retires, and for AJ to stay healthy as much as possible.
— Paolo Catalan (@IPC889) April 1, 2024
Yes he is big, but He is not good enough to face other naturalized players of other countries.
— KRY 55 (@kryss_tsuper23) March 30, 2024
This is a very good news indeed.
Kai Sotto 7'3"
AJ Edu 6'10"
Boatwrigth 6'10" wings— Pau Fajardo's Butanding Twins (@AndreiIskati) March 31, 2024
Good move. Still need to naturalize one or two more just to make sure we have someone available every tournament. Brownlee is 36 years old already and Kouame really isn't good enough. What about Chris McCullough? He already said he wants to play for the National Team.
— Marts Chua (@marts_chua) March 30, 2024
he needs to work on his defense🙈
Gilas can have local players who r legit shooters, only if CTC expands his players selection. What we need as NP is a good defensive player, both inside and outside the perimeter and willing to be a good role player and pass the ball around.— angela koro (@korosensei4eva) March 30, 2024
One of the best decision from SBP, great decision!! Benny may easily fit in CTC's system.. it's also CTC decision whom to include as naturalized player.. excited to watch him play with JB should 2 naturalized player be allowed to play together
— Ivatan Sailor (@valiant7777) March 30, 2024
