IN A pivotal moment for Philippine basketball, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio recently sat down with Bennie Boatwright, a promising naturalization prospect, sparking optimism for Gilas Pilipinas’ future endeavors.
Panlilio, accompanied by esteemed figures like national coach Tim Cone, Gilas team manager Richard del Rosario and SBP executive director Erika Dy, engaged in an insightful conversation with Boatwright at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati.
Panlilio was notably impressed by Boatwright’s demeanor, describing him as affable and respectful. He promptly shared his positive assessment with SBP leaders Manny V. Pangilinan and Ricky P. Vargas, hinting at Boatwright’s potential to bolster Gilas Pilipinas’ roster.
“It was a very pleasant lunch, kwentuhan, me just finding out who he is, how he is; it was very relaxed, he even tried halo-halo,” Panlilio said on Sunday, April 21. “Bennie is very mild-mannered, maamo ‘yung character niya, very respectable.”Standing tall at 6-foot-10 and weighing 235 lbs, Boatwright’s journey to the Philippines commenced after his stint in the Chinese Basketball Association, arriving to fill a temporary import role for San Miguel Beer in the PBA.
Yet, his aspirations extend beyond the hardwood, as he embarks on the path to Filipino citizenship, inspired by the trailblazing legacy of Justin Brownlee.
Panlilio drew parallels between Boatwright and Brownlee, underscoring Boatwright’s eagerness to contribute to Gilas Pilipinas’ quest for basketball excellence.
Although Brownlee remains a key player for the squad, Boatwright’s youthfulness and physicality position him as a formidable asset for future campaigns, including crucial tournaments like the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.
The process of naturalization was explained to Boatwright during that informal meeting, and he expressed his willingness to return as soon as he is required to, especially when he has to appear before the concerned committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.
“We’re working on his calendar,” Panlilio said. “But he is really very excited.”Before his professional exploits, Boatwright honed his skills at the University of Southern California, showcasing his prowess with impressive collegiate statistics. Despite going undrafted in the NBA, Boatwright’s journey took him through various international leagues, where he excelled and garnered invaluable experience.
Boatwright’s enthusiasm for representing the Philippines in international competitions, including the forthcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia and the prospective 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, underscores his commitment to embracing this new chapter in his basketball odyssey.
“It’s a great feeling knowing what he’s accomplished,” said Boatwright. “I’m excited. I will bring my best foot forward and I’m excited to play. As the opportunity came and the experience of playing in the Philippines, you can’t say no to that.”