Bennie Boatwright agrees to be Gilas’ naturalized player, says SBP

Former San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright has agreed to be the next naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas, expanding the current pool of options that already features Jordan Clarkson, Justin Brownlee, and Ange Kouame. 

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio bared the news to GMA News Online on Sunday, just weeks after Boatwright helped the Beermen clinched the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup title last February against Magnolia. 

“He has agreed to be naturalized as one of our options in the pool,” Panlilio said in a message. 

The 27-year-old Boatwright was remarkable in his first-ever tour of duty in the PBA, sparking San Miguel’s 29th overall title in the league and fifth Commissioner’s Cup crown after they denied the Hotshots. 

After reinforcing the Jorge Gallent-helmed squad, Boatwright, who saw action for University of Southern California in the US NCAA Division I, brought his act to the Chinese Basketball Association with the Shanxi Loongs. 

His looming naturalization will add depth to the pool of naturalized players led by resident Ginebra import Justin Brownlee, who was designated by Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone to banner the team in the foreseeable future. 

Aside from Brownlee, Utah Jazz star Clarkson and former Ateneo big man Kouame are also at Gilas’ disposal. 

The national team is currently on a break following a two-game sweep in the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Cone and the rest of the crew will reconvene some time in June to prepare for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News