Boatwright set to join Gilas in November FIBA window

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone is expecting Bennie Boatwright to follow the national team to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on November 23, giving him just a few days to integrate with the Philippine squad, which is preparing for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. The American mentor said the 30-year-old Boatwright is still in action with his Chinese Basketball Association squad Fujian Sturgeons, and will only be granted release for the coming November window on Nov. 23. “As of now, his team in China is only releasing him on the 23rd (of November),” said Cone, when contacted by The Manila Times to comment on the former San Miguel Beer import’s status. Gilas is expected to regroup by Nov. 20 onwards as Japan B.League players Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown, Mike Phillips and AJ Edu, along with Korean Basketball League’s Kevin Quiambao, will be released by their respective teams for the November window. Carl Tamayo, who also plays in the KBL, can’t join though due to an ankle injury. The Philippines will be battling Syria on Nov. 27, followed by perennial Asian powerhouse team Iran on Nov. 30. These will be two crucial games for Gilas Pilipinas, which...