Boatwright gets PH passport, paving way for Gilas duty

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy bared that Bennie Boatwright already secured his Philippine passport, thus formalizing his Philippine citizenship. “I just received a text message just before coming up to the podium that his passport is now ready,” said Dy on Tuesday during the SBP National Congress held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas. Boatwright’s final hurdle could clear the way for the 6-foot-10 former San Miguel Beer import to reinforce Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player in November as the national team resumes its 2027 FIBA World Cup bid in the Asian Qualifiers against Syria and Iran in Seremban, Malaysia. The former USC Trojan is now part of the Philippines’ pool of naturalized player, along with Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame. A week ago, the 30-year-old Boatwright took his Oath of Allegiance at the Philippine consulate in China, where Boatwright currently plays as import for the  Fujian Sturgeons in the Chinese Basketball Association. Seeing Boatwright reinforce Gilas Pilipinas in the coming Asian Qualifiers will be a timely tonic considering that the 38-year-old Brownlee remains out of commission as he recovers from multiple injuries to his legs and hamstring, along with a heart condition, which national coach Tim Cone also revealed...