Bennie Boatwright now officially a Filipino, acquires PH passport

November 1 ------ Bennie Boatwright is now officially Filipino. The 6-foot-10 center has finally completed his naturalization after acquiring his Philippine passport as confirmed by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy during the SBP national Congress, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas.

A PBA champion as part of San Miguel, the sweet-shooting big man has long been eyed by the Gilas Pilipinas to become a naturalized player, with the process of legislation for his citizenship beginning as early as 2024. “I just received a text message just before coming up to the podium that his passport is now ready. His addition is something to look forward to as we continue working our way to Los Angeles 2020,” said Dy.

Boatwright will join the national team’s naturalized player pool alongside Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame. His addition should also be a big boost to Gilas especially with the uncertainty of Brownlee’s availability to the upcoming November window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Malaysia. The Nationals are scheduled to play Syria on Nov. 27 before taking on Iran on Nov. 29. Gilas is currently at the No. 5 spot of the Group E standings, just half a game behind Jordan and Iran with similar 5-3 slates.

Source: mb.com.ph