Gilas awaits Boatwright’s release for World Cup qualifiers

Gilas coach Tim Cone is awaiting Fujian Sturgeons’ release of newly naturalised Bennie Boatwright before the player can travel to Manila for preparations. The Philippines will face Syria on Nov. 27 and Iran on Nov. 29 in Seremban, Malaysia, during the fifth FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window.

Cone hopes Boatwright can arrive early enough to practise the triangle offence with Ginebra, but said that remained uncertain. Gilas training is scheduled to start on Nov. 21, with overseas players expected to report the day before. Cone does not plan separate earlier sessions for locally based players.

The coach intends to take only 12 players and make no additions to the pool. He cited the cost of bringing a larger group to Kuala Lumpur for just six days of collective preparation, with the team travelling for its opening practice.

Kai Sotto’s participation also remains uncertain. Cone is hopeful Altiri Chiba will release him, although Sotto has missed eight games while resting his knee and has not played for the Japanese club since Oct. 9. Carl Tamayo will miss the window after recently spraining his ankle in the Korean league.

Boatwright has averaged 11.3 points and 6.4 rebounds across eight appearances for Fujian. The Chinese club is on a break until its Dec. 5 game against Shanxi.