Bennie takes oath, nears Gilas eligibility

Bennie Boatwright took a step closer to completing his naturalization process after taking his Oath of Allegiance on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old forward, who plays as an import for the Fujian Sturgeons in the Chinese Basketball Association, is nearing eligibility to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the next window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Boatwright still needs to secure clearance from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and obtain his Philippine passport before he can play for the national team.

“Another step forward for Bennie Boatwright as he has already taken his Oath of Allegiance. The final step now is the processing of his Philippine passport,” the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said in a social media post yesterday.

Boatwright’s naturalization process resumed last May when he returned to reinforce the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Basketball Association’s 50th season Commissioner’s Cup.

The former University of Southern California standout’s progress comes as Gilas remains uncertain about the availability of veteran naturalized player Justin Brownlee, who has been dealing with cardiovascular and blood pressure-related health concerns. Brownlee is still in the United States.

Gilas is scheduled to face Syria on 27 November and Iran on 29 November in Seremban, Malaysia.

If Boatwright completes the remaining requirements until 14 November, he could make his Gilas debut in the upcoming qualifying window.

“Everything is almost complete except for one thing — his passport — and he will be available after that once FIBA confirms his availability as naturalized player on or before November 14,” SBP executive director Erika Dy said.

“What’s important is Benny has already taken his Oath of Allegiance that already (completed) his naturalization. The next step is having a passport, and we will wait for the Bureau of Immigration to issue his naturalization certificate.”