BENNIE Boatwright remains unavailable for Gilas Pilipinas’ upcoming competitions in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and Asian Games after Malacañang took no action on his naturalization bill.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone said Boatwright still does not have a Philippine passport because his naturalization has yet to receive final approval from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
“In the meantime, we couldn’t get Benny Boatwright, his papers done,” Cone said. “He still doesn’t have his passport. He hasn’t had his final approval yet. So, we haven’t been able to get that done.”
Boatwright’s naturalization bill had reached Malacañang, but the Palace did not take action on the measure within the required period, leaving the process incomplete ahead of Gilas upcoming games.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas had previously hoped Boatwright could complete his naturalization in time to reinforce Gilas, with the Philippine government earlier saying it was working to facilitate action on his papers.
Cone also said Gilas will not be able to use another naturalized option, Angelo Kouame, who is currently under contract in France.
“And then, our other naturalized player that we would have brought, Ange Kouame, he is in France under contract. So, we’re going to be attending this window all Filipino,” Cone said. (By the Staff)
