Boatwright completes naturalisation, becomes eligible for Gilas
His Philippine passport is ready, adding another option alongside Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame in the naturalised player pool.
Bennie Boatwright has completed naturalisation and his Philippine passport is ready, Gilas Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy announced on October 27. The 30-year-old forward is now eligible to represent the Philippines in international tournaments.
Speaking at the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) national congress in Ortigas, Dy said the process had started in 2024. She said she received confirmation that the passport was ready shortly before taking the podium and looked forward to Boatwright playing for Gilas.
The SBP said Boatwright had already sworn allegiance to the Philippines. The 6-foot-10 PBA champion joins Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame among the national team's naturalised player options.
The Philippines holds fifth place in Group E of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers, with a 4-4 record. Its next qualifying window is in November, when Gilas will face Syria, which has a 2-6 record, and Iran, which stands at 5-3, at Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia.
