‘We have the right guy,’ says Al Panlilio on Bennie Boatwright

Bennie Boatwright with Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officials Erika Dy, Al Panlilio, Tim Cone, and Richard Del Rosario. Photo from Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

MANILA — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Bennie Boatwright had their first official meeting regarding the San Miguel reinforcement’s incoming naturalization for Gilas Pilipinas.  

"It was a very pleasant lunch, kwentuhan, me just finding out who he is, how he is; it was very relaxed, he even tried halo-halo," said SBP President Al Panlilio who was joined by national coach Tim Cone, Gilas team manager Richard del Rosario and SBP executive director Erika Dy in a lunch last Sunday.

READ: Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization process for Gilas ‘about to start,’ says Al Panlilio

"Bennie is very mild-mannered, maamo yung character niya, very respectable," he added, while also expressing his impression to SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and SBP vice president Ricky P. Vargas.

"It seems we have the right guy," he said via text message.

READ: Japeth Aguilar, Mason Amos get Gilas Pilipinas call-up

A godson of former PBA import Francois Wise, Boatwright made an unscheduled appearance at the PhilSports Arena last Friday to watch San Miguel play Converge in the Philippine Cup.

The 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup champion revealed how he became the prospect of Gilas for naturalization.

READ: SBP already in talks with Bennie Boatwright for possible Gilas Pilipinas stint

"It started with a couple of players, they were mentioning me," Boatwright shared. "After we played Barangay Ginebra, Boss Al [Chua] asked me if I was interested. And I said 'For sure.' Ever since then, the ball has been rolling," added the California native. 

Aside from this, Panlilio also added how the possibility of being a part of the Philippine team that can make it to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles made it more compelling for Bennie.

"It's a dream for him. He has lived in LA for most part of his life, Bennie told us, and his family is still there," said Panlilio. 

"He has played in Mexico, and he just came back from China. He's going back to LA to be with his family who he hasn't seen in eight months."

The 6-foot-10, 235-lb Boatwright flew in past midnight on April 1  from China where he played for the Shanxi Loongs in the Chinese Basketball Association.

He is expected to follow present reinforcement Justin Brownlee, who will lead Gilas in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 3 to 4. 

"I told him [Boatwright] that he's a bigger, younger version of Brownlee," said Panlilio. "He's very excited to be chosen, to be part of the Gilas journey."

A replacement import for the Beermen, Boatwright took the first steps toward becoming a Filipino citizen upon his arrival, walking the same path that Brownlee went through.

The resident Barangay Ginebra import was granted Philippine citizenship in January 2023 and saved the Philippines' campaign in the Hangzhou Asian Games in October with his performance against host China in the semifinals and Jordan in the finals.

That is why for Boatwright, possibly playing after Brownlee in the Nationals' future games was a no-brainer. 

"It's a great feeling knowing what he's accomplished," said Boatwright of JB. "I'm excited. I will bring my best foot forward, and I'm excited to play. As the opportunity came and the experience of playing in the Philippines, you can't say no to that," he expressed.

The process of Boatwight's naturalization is now being worked on by the SBP, Panilio added. 

"We're working on his calendar, but he is really very excited."

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