Bennie Boatwright will be a big addition to the growing list of naturalized player pool for Gilas Pilpinas.
San Miguel's Bennie Boatwright admitted that his decision to become part of the Gilas naturalized player pool didn't take long.
“Very easy decision. Kind of a no-brainer. It was a no-brainer,” said Boatwright during halftime of the match between San Miguel and Converge on Friday, April 19 in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
[RELATED STORY: SBP initiates naturalization discussion with San Miguel's Bennie Boatwright]
It turns out that the prospect of playing for the Philippines was already brought up to him even before the Beermen lorded over the Commissioner’s Cup at Magnolia’s expense.
“It started with a couple of players, they were mentioning it,” Boatwright said while keeping mum on their names.
“After we played Ginebra, boss Al (Alfrancis Chua) asked me if I was interested, I said for sure. Ever since then the ball has been rolling.”
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This was not something the former USC Trojan envisioned growing up. But after getting the full grasp of the basketball culture here, the 27-year-old knew there’s no way he would say no.
“As the opportunity came, experience in playing here in the Philippines, you can’t say no to that,” he said.
Boatwright is currently in the country to submit the initial requirements for the naturalization process.
Once the Philippine Congress approves his Filipino citizenship, Boatwright will officially join the growing list of naturalized players that includes Justin Brownlee, Jordan Clarkson, and Ange Kouame.
Gilas coach Tim Cone, though, clarified Brownlee is still Gilas’ main reinforcement as they look to score a seat in the Olympics or FIBA World Cup.
[RELATED STORY: Tim Cone clarified Justin Brownlee is 'our guy' and Bennie Boatwright is 'his backup']