Bennie Boatwright's naturalization process for Gilas still a go, says SBP

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has confirmed that the naturalization process for Bennie Boatwright is still ongoing.

Back in March 2024, the basketball federation announced that Boatwright had agreed to become a naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas.

?At the time, Boatwright had just finished his stint with the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, where they claimed the title in a six-game Finals series versus Magnolia.

According to SBP executive director Erika Dy, there have been no changes to their plans regarding Boatwright.

"Yes, there are no changes with regards to pursuing Bennie Boatwright as a naturalized player at the moment. We're just waiting for Congress to schedule the hearings for him," Dy said on Monday.

"I believe he's going to be playing in Taiwan now, so it will be easy for him to come over when he's called."

Who is Bennie Boatwright?

Boatwright, a 29-year-old, 6-foot-10 big man from the United States, played college basketball at the University of Southern California before attempting to join the NBA.

He had a stint with the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G League after going undrafted in 2019.

After playing for San Miguel in the PBA, he went on to play for the Shanxi Loongs in the Chinese Basketball Association.

If naturalized, Boatwright will join the national team's pool of naturalized players alongside Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News