QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

It's going to be quality over quantity as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is no longer inclined to increase its pool of naturalized players.

No less than SBP president Al Panlilio made the confirmation to DAILY TRIBUNE, saying that having four naturalized players is already ideal, giving Gilas Pilipinas a fighting chance in major international events.

Bennie Boatwright, the 27-year-old former San Miguel Beer import, is the latest player to be identified by the federation as candidate for naturalization.

He will join Barangay Ginebra reinforcement Justin Brownlee, former Ateneo de Manila University slotman Ange Kouame and National Basketball Association player Jordan Clarkson in the pool of naturalized players.

Although sideliners raised the idea of jacking up the number of naturalized players, Panlilio stressed that Boatwright will be the last player to be nominated for Filipino citizenship — at least for now.

"For now, we are good," said Panlilio when asked if they are still planning to add more names to the pool of naturalized players.

Boatwright seems to be the player whom the doctor ordered for Gilas Pilipinas.

Aside from being younger than Brownlee, the former University of Southern California star is taller at 6-foot-10 and can run the floor, shoot from the perimeter and take it strong to the basket.

In fact, he suited up for the Beermen in 13 matches in the Commissioner's Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association, posting glowing averages of 30.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists.

But more than that, it was Boatwright's attitude and willingness to undergo the tedious process of naturalization that prompted the federation to consider him.

"According to Coach Tim (Cone) and the coaches, he has great attitude, great skills, still young and, more importantly, willing to be naturalized," said Panlilio, emphasizing that the main role as naturalized player still belongs to Brownlee.

"He is aware that Justin Brownlee is still our No. 1 now but he is still willing to be part of our pool of naturalized players. After all, the World Cup is still three years away."

There's a pressing need for the federation to add a fourth player to its pool of naturalized players.

Aside from having an instant reliever just in case the main option — Brownlee — suddenly gets injured or is not available, the presence of another reinforcement will also boost the Gilas roster in tournaments where the organizers do not mind the number of naturalized players like the Asian Games or the Southeast Asian Games.

Boatwright's naturalization process, however, will take some time as it still has to pass through the committee level before it gets tackled in the House of Representatives, the Senate and the bicameral committee. Then, the final hurdle will be the President, who will sign it into law.

Brownlee's application, for instance, took around five years before formally being granted on 12 January 2023.

But Panlilio stressed that they are not in a hurry.

"Anyway, the next World Cup is still three years away," he said, citing the benefits of having Boatwright carry a Philippine passport.

"It gives the SBP a pool of naturalized players to choose from as well as options just in case we have injuries, scheduling issues, etc."