Gilas problem solved as Boatwright lands in KBL after Taiwan exit

January 7 ------ ONE potential Gilas Pilipinas problem has self-corrected. Gilas naturalization candidate Bennie Boatwright has landed in South Korea to play in the KBL after being released by the Taipei Fubon Braves of the Taiwanese pro league, keeping him close once he's eligible for a call-up.

Boatwright's naturalization finally got rolling in November as he attended hearings in Congress together with former UP Maroons center Malick Diouf, who is eyed to be eligible for the Gilas 3x3 pool, and Elizabeth Means for the Gilas Women. However, a potential problem arose when Boatwright's contact with Fubon - his first since recovering from a long injury layoff - was terminated by the Braves. "After careful evaluation and discussion by the coaching staff, it was ultimately decided to terminate the contract with Boatwright," said the Taiwan team in a statement released last week.

Amid fears that the surprise Fubon Braves cut would drive Boatwright away from Asia and back to the US, good news came on Sunday when Daegu Kogas Pegasus announced his signing for the current KBL season. Boatwright, now teammates with former Gilas guard SJ Belangel, made his KBL debut on Monday, scoring 8 points in the Pegasus' 87-77 loss to Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

Source: spin.ph