Boatwright naturalization on hold
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Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is practicing patience in pursuing the naturalization of American-born cager Bennie Boatwright.
Political turmoil and lawmakers shifting their focus to the midterm elections have stymied the naturalization process of the former San Miguel Beer import, putting his much-awaited hook up with Gilas Pilipinas in doubt.
“One is, there’s no session. So, we have to wait until the new officials are elected,” SBP president Al Panlilio said after the local sports governing body’s National Congress last Friday.
“(But) we’re not remiss in following it up but the problem is the process that is happening now.”
The 6-foot-10 Boatwright was identified by SBP last year as a top candidate for naturalization.
But the federation has been waiting for the ball to get rolling since then-Senator Sonny Angara filed Senate Bill No. 2646 to naturalize the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Best Import.
But it has yet to make real progress.
“The problem is there’s a long line for naturalization. Jumping the line might be an issue but, obviously, this is for different reasons,” Panlilio said.
SBP has been working to beef up its pool of naturalized players, with Justin Brownlee not getting any younger.
The 37-year-old workhorse and Ange Kouame are the active naturalized players of Gilas.
Brownlee is expected to suit up the national team’s campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup slated 5 to 17 August in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Boatwright, if he is ever granted his Filipino citizenship, could play in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December. However, only one naturalized player will be allowed in the biennial meet, as the host will implement strict FIBA eligibility rules.
“So, we’re hopeful that… I don’t know how soon it could happen. Because if they get elected in May, the next session starts maybe in June or July before the State of the Nation of the President (Bongbong Marcos) before they create the committees, before they call the hearings,” Panlilio said.
“I don’t know if we’re gonna be in the August time frame, I don’t know. But we will continue to push.”
