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Tag: Bennie Boatwright

  • Leo Austria is confident Bennie Boatwright can turn San Miguel’s PBA season around 

    Leo Austria is confident Bennie Boatwright can turn San Miguel’s PBA season around 

    The San Miguel Beermen, long regarded as one of the premier franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), are navigating unfamiliar territory in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup. Known for their consistency and championship pedigree, the Beermen have so far struggled to meet expectations, currently sitting eighth in the standings with a balanced 4-4 record—far from the dominant form fans have come to expect.

     

    A significant factor behind San Miguel’s uneven campaign has been instability at the import position. Their initial reinforcement, Justin Patton, became a source of controversy after failing to show up for a crucial matchup against the Magnolia Hotshots, raising questions about commitment and team chemistry. The organization acted swiftly, parting ways with Patton and bringing back a familiar and proven contributor in Bennie Boatwright.

     

    Boatwright wasted no time making his presence felt. In his first game back with the Beermen on Sunday, April 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, the former fan favorite delivered a dominant performance, erupting for 41 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His all-around effort powered San Miguel to a hard-fought 98-94 victory, providing a much-needed boost to the team’s campaign and morale.

     

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    Head coach Leo Austria expressed optimism that Boatwright’s return could stabilize the team and address their import woes, drawing parallels to a successful stretch in the past.

     

    “Hopefully. The last time what we did during Bennie’s arrival in 2024 in the middle of the elimination eh. Since then we have never lost twice in a row. And eventually, we won the championship. We are hoping na we can duplicate this kind of situation that we have now to the year 2024,” Austria said in a media interaction.

    Austria’s confidence is shared by star guard CJ Perez, who emphasized how Boatwright’s skill set complements San Miguel’s core of talented local players. For Perez, finding the right import has long been a challenge, but Boatwright’s immediate impact suggests they may have finally found the missing piece.

     

    “I think yun yung nawawalang piece sa puzzle doon sa team namin eh. Every import conference nahihirapan kami maghanap ng import na nag-fifit sa San Miguel. I think Bennie is the answer doon sa struggle namin,” Perez added.

     

    Boatwright himself remains focused on the present, preferring a steady, game-by-game approach rather than looking too far ahead. While his performance has already reignited hopes among fans and teammates alike, the import is keeping his mindset grounded.

     

    “Yeah that’s the goal of course. But me personally, I want to take it one day at a time. You know just stacking the wins. To get this first win it feels very good as a team, myself and you know I’m excited moving forward,” Boatwright said.

     

    With renewed energy and a reinforced lineup, the Beermen now aim to build momentum as the elimination round progresses. Consistency will be key if they hope to climb the standings and reestablish themselves as legitimate title contenders.

     

    San Miguel will look to continue their resurgence when they take on the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—a matchup that could serve as an early test of whether Boatwright’s return truly marks a turning point in their season.

     

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright’s return sparks SMB—and revives Gilas naturalization push

    Bennie Boatwright’s return sparks SMB—and revives Gilas naturalization push

    For San Miguel Beermen, the return of Bennie Boatwright isn’t just about adding firepower—it’s about restoring direction.

     

    And for Philippine basketball, it could mean something even bigger. Back in Manila to reinforce San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, Boatwright’s arrival comes with a dual purpose: helping the Beermen rediscover their rhythm and pushing forward a long-delayed journey toward Filipino citizenship.

     

    “Looking forward to it,” he said, referring to his naturalization process after San Miguel’s 98-94 escape over the NLEX Road Warriors.

     

    “I think we have, like, one more hearing in the Senate, and I think I should be good to go after that.”

    “It’s nice that I’m here.”

     

    That sense of timing hasn’t always been on his side.

     

    Boatwright’s path to naturalization began in April 2024 when Senate Bill No. 2646 was filed by Sonny Angara, but the process stalled amid political shifts and election cycles. Injuries added another layer of delay, most notably an Achilles setback in August that forced him to step away from the court.

     

    Even a scheduled Senate hearing earlier this year had to be pushed back as Boatwright remained overseas, fulfilling commitments with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League.

     

    Now, the pieces are finally aligning. Following Daegu’s early exit from playoff contention, Boatwright made his way back to Manila—just as San Miguel found itself in need of a reset after parting ways with former import Justin Patton.

     

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    The result was immediate. In his first game back, the 6-foot-10 forward delivered 41 points and 11 rebounds, powering the Beermen to a comeback win and snapping a brief slide. More than the numbers, it was the familiarity that stood out.

     

    “It feels good to be back home,” Boatwright said. “I’m just excited to be playing with the guys, and it’s like I never left.”

     

    That comfort level is exactly what San Miguel is banking on as it looks to regain its footing in the conference—especially with the same import who led them to the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup title.

    But the ripple effect extends beyond the PBA. Boatwright remains one of the leading candidates to bolster Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player, a role that carries both opportunity and responsibility.

     

    “I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

     

    “I keep that in mind every day while I’m training, just preparing. I think it’s a really good opportunity. I’m grateful for it.”

     

    For now, the focus is on wins. But with each game he plays—and each step forward in his naturalization—Boatwright’s return is shaping into something more than just a mid-conference boost.

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright back in Manila as San Miguel turns to old reliable import 

    Bennie Boatwright back in Manila as San Miguel turns to old reliable import 

    San Miguel doesn’t just need an import—it needs a reset. And in a season already marked by sudden changes and missed connections, the Beermen are turning to something far more reliable: familiarity.

     

    Bennie Boatwright is back in Manila.

     

    The former San Miguel reinforcement, who powered the franchise to a championship run not too long ago, appeared to have wasted no time returning, posting a photo on Instagram from what looked like the upper floors of San Miguel Corporation’s headquarters in Pasig City. His early arrival adds urgency—and perhaps relief—to a team searching for stability.

     

    Team manager Gee Abanilla had earlier shared that the club was working to bring Boatwright in as soon as he wrapped up his exit process with Daegu Kogas in the Korean Basketball League. Now, it appears that timeline has accelerated.

     

    More importantly, the deal is already in motion.Boatwright has agreed in principle to return as San Miguel’s third import this conference, following short-lived stints with Marcus Lee and Justin Patton. The constant reshuffling has left the Beermen struggling to find rhythm—and the results have reflected that.

     

    Their latest outing only underscored the situation. Forced to play all-Filipino after Patton failed to show up for their matchup, San Miguel absorbed a 120-101 loss to Magnolia—its second straight defeat. Without a reliable import presence, the team lacked both interior scoring and defensive anchor, exposing gaps that had previously been masked.

     

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    That’s where Boatwright’s return becomes more than just a roster move. It’s a chance to restore identity. While his recent numbers overseas may not jump off the page—12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds with the Fubon Braves in Taiwan, followed by 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds with Daegu Kogas in Korea—his impact in the PBA has already been proven.

     

    During his previous run with San Miguel, Boatwright wasn’t just productive—he was dominant.

     

    He averaged a staggering 30.3 points and 12 rebounds per game en route to leading the Beermen to the 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup title. That campaign included a jaw-dropping 51-point explosion against Terrafirma, a performance that cemented his reputation as one of the most potent imports in recent league history.

     

    More than the numbers, though, it was the fit. Boatwright thrived within San Miguel’s system, complementing its core while providing a consistent offensive focal point. He understood the pace, the spacing, and the expectations—intangibles that often take time for new imports to grasp.

     

    Time, right now, is exactly what San Miguel doesn’t have. With the conference already underway and losses starting to pile up, the Beermen need immediate impact. They need scoring. They need presence. They need familiarity.

     

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  • San Miguel to replace Justin Patton with Bennie Boatwright after shocking no-show

    San Miguel to replace Justin Patton with Bennie Boatwright after shocking no-show

    San Miguel Beermen find themselves under mounting pressure in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup after slipping to ninth in the standings with just three wins so far in the conference.

     

    Their latest setback came on Sunday, April 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Beermen suffered a 101–120 defeat to the Magnolia Hotshots. The loss was compounded by the sudden absence of import Justin Patton, who did not suit up for the contest, leaving San Miguel short-handed in a crucial matchup.

     

    In response to Patton’s unexplained no-show, San Miguel management has moved to replace him, with former Beermen import Bennie Boatwright emerging as the leading candidate to take over the role. Head coach Leo Austria confirmed the development after the game, describing the decision as necessary following what he termed “unprofessional behavior” from the departing import.

     

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    “The management, boss Robert Non, boss Gee Abanilla nag-usap kami and then, of course, we need a replacement. Yeah, I think in the next few days, we will find out. We are waiting for Bennie Boatwright. I think, maybe in the next game andiyan na siya,” Austria said in the postgame press conference.

     

    Austria also revealed that Boatwright had been in communication with the team even before the start of the conference, though his prior commitments with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League prevented an earlier reunion with San Miguel.

     

    “Benny, we keep on communicating with him. Unfortunately, before itong mga import namin, may commitment siya sa Korea. From Taiwan to Korea, at the time, ongoing pa yung All-Filipino nun eh,” he added.

    According to Austria, concerns over Patton’s status began to surface in the days leading up to the game, with the import reportedly absent from practice for three consecutive sessions. The coach added that Patton had indicated fatigue rather than injury, making his sudden unavailability on game day particularly unexpected.

     

    “Last night I was able to talk to the driver and then he asked him, ano are you ready to play? He was in good spirits last night. That’s why I’m excited for him to come and play. But one hour before the game I heard he cannot play. That’s very unprofessional of him,” Austria said.

     

    “There’s no injuries eh. And I asked him, are you going to practice? He said I just want to rest dahil he’s tired. I said, okay, see you tomorrow. It’s very important practice for us to prepare because the situation right now is not cooperating with our standing. So I’m expecting na he will show up today. But wala eh,” he added.

     

    The veteran coach also stressed that the organization expects accountability moving forward, hinting at possible consequences following Patton’s sudden exit from team activities.

     

    “I don’t know anong magiging consequences niyan. Dahil it’s unprofessional eh, ganyan eh. And then, we are relying on his presence here because we know that we can win because he proved it in his first two games. He helped a lot. Kami naman, tao lang tayo. Pwede naman kami magpatawad. Pero he has to face the consequences na dapat mangyari sa kanya,” Austria concluded.

     

    San Miguel now turns its attention to stabilizing its import situation ahead of a crucial stretch in the elimination round. Boatwright, who previously played a pivotal role in the Beermen’s 2024 Commissioner’s Cup championship run after replacing Ivan Aska, is expected to rejoin the squad once final arrangements are completed.

     

    While no official timeline has been set for his arrival in Manila, San Miguel will be hoping to resolve the issue quickly as they prepare for their next assignment against the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, April 19, at the Ynares Center.

     

     

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  • Gilas eyes Justin Brownlee-Bennie Boatwright tandem in Asiad title defense as Nagoya keeps passport-only rule

    Gilas eyes Justin Brownlee-Bennie Boatwright tandem in Asiad title defense as Nagoya keeps passport-only rule

    If the current guidelines remain untouched, Gilas Pilipinas may once again benefit from a crucial eligibility edge in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said it has not received any official notice of changes to the competition rules, meaning the passport-only policy used in the 2023 Hangzhou Asiad is still in effect.

     

    “Kaya nga nakapaglaro si Ange (Kouame) nun,” said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.

     

    That same provision previously allowed Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame to play together — a combination not permitted under FIBA rules, which limit national teams to just one naturalized player in sanctioned events.

     

    This time, the potential tandem could shift to Brownlee and Bennie Boatwright — provided Boatwright’s naturalization papers are officially signed before the September tournament.

     

    If the passport-only rule holds, both players could legally share the floor in Nagoya, giving Gilas a potent inside-out duo to defend its Asian Games crown.

     

    SBP remains cautiously optimistic but careful not to assume anything.

     

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    “As of now there’s no official advice about the change in rules. Ang alam namin passport-only rule ang allowed pa rin,” said Dy.

     

    The possibility doesn’t end there. With Mike Philips and Quentin Millora-Brown already recognized as locals by FIBA, Gilas could field one of its deepest Asian Games rosters in years.

     

    “Yes, both can play in the Asian Games,” Dy added.

     

    The passport-only rule was instrumental in the Philippines ending its 61-year drought in Hangzhou, where Gilas defeated Jordan in the final after a stunning semifinal comeback against China. Whether that same regulatory window remains open in Nagoya could once again shape the team’s championship blueprint.

     

    For now, SBP waits — and prepares — under the assumption that the rule that once unlocked history may still apply.

     

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  • Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

    Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

    The push to strengthen the Philippines’ national teams shifted to the Senate floor Tuesday as lawmakers began deliberations on bills seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to four foreign athletes.

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights tackled the naturalization measures for basketball players Malick Diouf, Bennie Boatwright, and Elizabeth Means, along with wrestler Matthew James Ramos, in a bid to boost the country’s international campaign.

     

    Among the four, Diouf and Means are closest to the senate’s approval for naturalization.

     

    Senate Bill No. 1596, which covers Diouf, and Senate Bill No. 1594 for Means, both authored by Sen. Pia Cayetano is expected to reach third and final reading at the Senate plenary next week. Their applications have gained steady traction and could soon be transmitted for final approval.

     

    Boatwright and Ramos, however, encountered a temporary setback. Both athletes failed to appear during the first and second readings of their respective bills before the committee chaired by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, potentially pushing further deliberations to April.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) closely monitored the proceedings. Executive director Erika Dy and Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 program director Ryan Gregorio attended the hearing, highlighting the federation’s commitment to reinforcing its national squads.

     

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    Means is projected to provide an immediate boost to the Gilas Women 3×3 team, while Diouf is being developed as part of the Gilas 3×3 pool. 

     

    Boatwright, on the other hand, has long been eyed as a major addition to the Gilas 5×5 squad, where he could join naturalized standouts Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame.

     

    Despite the delay affecting Boatwright and Ramos, sports officials remain optimistic that all four athletes will secure their naturalization within the year.

     

    “As former (first ever) SBP executive director, I support the naturalization process of the SBP. Basketball is the “national passion” of the Pinoys. We must support,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

     

    Senate Committee on Sports chairman Sen. Bong Go also voiced support for the measures, pointing to areas where the national team needs reinforcement.

     

    “During the past two games of Gilas, nakita po natin ang kakulangan ng team. Boatwright can play outside and inside. Although papasok na tayo sa next round, malaking tulong po kung sakaling maipasa natin ito,” Go said.

     

    Having already cleared the second round at the Lower House, the bills for Diouf and Means are now one hearing away from being forwarded to Malacañang for President Bongbong Marcos’ signature.

     

    Still, Gregorio stressed that the legislative process requires personal accountability, explaining that Boatwright and Ramos must appear before senators to undergo scrutiny is a crucial step before citizenship can be granted.

     

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  • Public hearing set in Senate for Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization

    Public hearing set in Senate for Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization

    The wheels of Philippine basketball diplomacy are turning. Just two days after Gilas Pilipinas suffered a lopsided loss to Australia men’s national basketball team in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the spotlight has shifted from the court to the halls of government. 

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights is set to hold its first public hearing on the naturalization of Bennie Boatwright, a move that could make the former San Miguel import eligible to suit up for the national team in international competitions.

     

    The hearing, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. under the leadership of committee chair Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, marks the official start of the Senate’s deliberation on the controversial but potentially transformative move. 

     

    Boatwright’s naturalization was already approved on second reading in the House of Representatives last December under House Bill No. 6639, clearing a major legislative hurdle.

     

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    Supporters argue that Boatwright’s inclusion could give Gilas Pilipinas a much-needed boost after a tough showing against Australia, where the team struggled to match the physicality and depth of the visitors. 

     

    His experience in the Philippine Basketball Association, particularly with the San Miguel Beermen, has made him a standout candidate to elevate the national squad’s competitiveness.

     

    Critics, however, have raised questions about the timing and implications of the naturalization process. Some lawmakers emphasize that the Senate hearing will carefully weigh both legal and sporting considerations, including Boatwright’s commitment to representing the Philippines beyond mere participation.

     

    If approved, Boatwright could join Gilas Pilipinas for upcoming FIBA competitions and regional tournaments, adding a versatile forward capable of stretching the floor and contributing on both ends. 

     

    For fans, the process represents more than bureaucracy — it’s a tangible step toward closing the gap with elite Asian basketball programs.

     

    With the hearing underway, all eyes will be on how quickly the Senate can act, as the national team prepares for a packed schedule of qualifiers and friendlies. 

     

    For a squad still seeking answers after a humbling defeat, Boatwright’s naturalization could be the spark that turns frustration into renewed hope.

     

     

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  • San Miguel keeps door open for Bennie Boatwright return, but KBL stint poses as challenge 

    San Miguel keeps door open for Bennie Boatwright return, but KBL stint poses as challenge 

    Winning back-to-back All-Filipino championships has barely slowed San Miguel Beer’s momentum, but even as celebrations fade, planning for the next grind is already underway.

     

    Coach Leo Austria confirmed that the Beermen remain actively engaged with Brandon Boatwright, the familiar import who once powered the franchise to a Commissioner’s Cup title. The interest is mutual, but timing—more than desire—has emerged as the biggest obstacle.

     

    Boatwright is currently locked into his campaign with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League, a commitment that stretches well into April. That calendar clash creates uncertainty for San Miguel, with the PBA Commissioner’s Cup scheduled to tip off on March 11, just days after the All-Star festivities.

     

    “May communication kami. But the problem now with him is his last game in the eliminations sa Korea will last until April 8,” Austria said moments after guiding San Miguel to another championship. 

     

    “Mag-uumpisa tayo March 11, so probably mami-miss niya at least yung four games.” 

     

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    It’s a familiar dilemma for a franchise that knows exactly what Boatwright can bring. The 29-year-old import was the backbone of San Miguel’s Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup run, anchoring a finals victory over Magnolia in six games. A reunion would immediately strengthen the Beermen’s bid to chase yet another title.

     

    Still, Austria made it clear that nothing is guaranteed. The realities of overseas contracts and shifting priorities mean the situation could change quickly.

     

    “We don’t know yet, pero baka mamaya biglang mag opt-out siya. So talagang kinakausap namin siya,” the veteran coach said.

     

    Despite the uncertainty, optimism remains. Austria shared that Boatwright has expressed enthusiasm about the idea of wearing a San Miguel jersey once more—if circumstances allow.

    “Last time na nakausap siya ng manager namin (Gee Abanilla), ang sabi niya he’s excited to come back here with San Miguel,” Austria said. “But we’re not sure kung siya talaga. Of course, may commitment yung sa kanyang team.”

     

    For now, the Beermen wait—balancing patience with preparation. Whether Boatwright’s return aligns with the Commissioner’s Cup timeline or not, one thing is clear: San Miguel is already thinking ahead, intent on keeping its championship window wide open.

     

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  • SMB keeps Bennie Boatwright in sight as Commissioner’s Cup plans hinge on KBL fate

    SMB keeps Bennie Boatwright in sight as Commissioner’s Cup plans hinge on KBL fate

    Even with Bennie Boatwright already plying his trade in South Korea, San Miguel Beer has not crossed the door on a possible reunion for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The Beermen remain firmly interested in the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player candidate, viewing him as their top import option for the midseason tournament that tips off on March 11—provided circumstances allow. Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed that Boatwright’s name continues to sit at the top of San Miguel’s wish list, though his availability remains the biggest question mark.

     

    “Yes, nasa listahan namin siya,” Abanilla said. “Pero depende sa sitwasyon niya. Kung mag-a-advance yung team niya. So it really depends.”

     

    Boatwright recently signed with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League, a move that caught San Miguel slightly off guard. The Pegasus are currently tied at the bottom of the standings with a 9-20 record alongside the Seoul Samsung Thunders, and while their playoff hopes are slim, the KBL season runs until April—overlapping with the PBA’s import conference.

     

    Abanilla revealed that communication between the two sides never stopped, especially after Boatwright parted ways with the Taipei Fubon Braves in the P. League+.

     

    “The last time I communicated with him, tinanong niya lang sa akin kung ano yung schedule ng Commissioner’s Cup,” Abanilla said.

     

    “Right after lumabas (news about the Fubon Braves), nag-text na ako agad sa kanya, and then he asked for it (Commissioner’s Cup schedule).”

     

    That line of communication, however, was quickly overtaken by events. Just days later, Boatwright committed to a KBL stint.

     

    “Nagulat na lang kami na pumirma na siya sa Korea,” Abanilla said while speaking from the sidelines of the Philippine Cup semifinals between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra.

     

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    From San Miguel’s perspective, the move appears less about opportunity and more about rhythm. Abanilla believes Boatwright may have chosen Korea to stay game-ready following recovery from an Achilles injury.

     

    “I was thinking na baka ayaw niya lang mabakante, gusto niya tuloy-tuloy lang,” he said. “Well, he’s already healed, pero yung time niya, siguro gusto niyang makuha pa, and he could only get that from playing.”

     

    Still, Abanilla admitted that an earlier return to San Miguel would have been ideal. The Commissioner’s Cup window would have allowed Boatwright to reacclimate to the Beermen’s system—one he already mastered en route to the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

    “This is the best chance to bring him early, get acclimatized, and be re-acquainted with the San Miguel system again. Kaso naging ganun ang desisyon niya,” Abanilla said.

     

    Now, the situation hinges on how far Daegu KOGAS goes. A late-season surge or playoff qualification could complicate any potential release, forcing San Miguel to balance patience with practicality.

     

    “Ang dilemma ngayon, kung mag-advance (yung team),” Abanilla said. “Siyempre kailangan rin ng mga coaches to decide on something. Hindi naman pwedeng, ‘O baka libre na siya ngayon, kunin na natin.’”

     

    “Kung libre siya, edi OK.”

     

    Until then, San Miguel waits—keeping Boatwright firmly on the radar as they prepare for the Commissioner’s Cup, aware that timing may ultimately decide whether a familiar import returns or the Beermen are forced to look elsewhere. 

     

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright’s KBL move keeps Gilas naturalization bid on track

    Bennie Boatwright’s KBL move keeps Gilas naturalization bid on track

    What initially looked like a complication in Gilas Pilipinas’ long-term plans may have quietly resolved itself.

     

    Bennie Boatwright, a key naturalization candidate for the national team, is staying put in Asia after securing a stint in the Korean Basketball League, easing concerns that his sudden release in Taiwan could derail his availability for future Gilas call-ups.

     

    Boatwright recently arrived in South Korea after signing with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus, stepping in just weeks after his contract with the Taipei Fubon Braves was unexpectedly terminated. The development is significant not just for his professional career, but also for Gilas Pilipinas, which has been monitoring his situation closely as his naturalization process continues to move forward.

     

    That process gained momentum in November, when Boatwright appeared in congressional hearings alongside former University of the Philippines center Malick Diouf—being considered for the Gilas 3×3 pool—and Elizabeth Means of Gilas Women.

     

     At the time, the expectation was that Boatwright’s continued presence in Asian leagues would keep him within reach of the national program once eligibility hurdles are cleared.

     

    Those plans briefly appeared uncertain when Fubon cut ties with the American forward shortly after his return from a lengthy injury layoff—his first stint back in competitive action.

     

    “After careful evaluation and discussion by the coaching staff, it was ultimately decided to terminate the contract with Boatwright,” the Taiwanese club said in a statement released last week.

     

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    The move sparked concern that Boatwright might head back to the United States in search of opportunities, potentially distancing himself from the Asian basketball circuit—and from Gilas’ immediate radar. Instead, the opposite happened.

     

    Daegu KOGAS Pegasus swooped in, announcing his signing for the ongoing KBL season and providing Boatwright with a new platform in one of Asia’s most competitive leagues. His arrival also sets up an intriguing dynamic, as he now shares the locker room with former Gilas guard SJ Belangel.

     

    Boatwright wasted little time suiting up, making his KBL debut on Monday. While Daegu absorbed an 87–77 loss to the Goyang Sono Skygunners led by fellow Gilas prospect Kevin Quiambao, Boatwright managed to make his presence felt with eight points, signaling the start of what could be a crucial stretch in rebuilding rhythm and form.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, Boatwright’s move to Korea may prove timely. Remaining in Asia not only keeps him visible to national team stakeholders but also allows him to stay game-ready in a high-level environment while his naturalization process unfolds.

     

    What once appeared to be a potential roadblock has instead turned into a detour—one that still leads in the same direction for both Boatwright and Gilas.

     

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