Once he is granted Filipino citizenship, Bennie Boatwright could reinforce Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in February next year.
Looks like Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization is taking longer than expected, according to Gilas Head Coach Tim Cone.
Cone revealed that the naturalization process hit a snag following a series of issues with the national government.
“Bottom line is his papers got delayed because of the issues that are going on in the government. So, he got put on the back burner,” said Cone.
[RELATED STORY: Gilas: Bennie Boatwright says decision to undergo naturalization process for Gilas a ‘no brainer’]
Even if he was granted citizenship earlier than expected, Boatwright still cannot reinforce Gilas in the second window of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers this month, added Cone.
After all, the San Miguel import is still recovering from an Achilles injury.
“Bennie can’t play until December anyway. He’s coming off an injury,” he said of the import who led the Beermen to last season’s Commissioner’s Cup championship.
[ALSO READ: Watch out for 'motivated' Justin Brownlee in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, says Gilas' Tim Cone]
Gilas stakes its perfect 2-0 win-loss record against New Zealand (Nov. 21) and Hong Kong (Nov. 24).
But there’s a chance the former USC Trojan will finally don a Gilas jersey in the second window in February next year, provided he is granted citizenship by then.
“He is definitely a candidate for the window. We’ll take a look at that and see what happens then,” he said.
[ALSO READ: 5th time's the charm? Revisiting the encounters of Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand in FIBA]
Right now, Justin Brownlee is taking over the Gilas naturalized player duties with Ange Kouame as backup.