By REYNALD MAGALLON
Bennie Boatwright had no second thoughts whatsoever when he was first asked to become part of Gilas Pilipinas naturalized players pool for its four-year program under head coach Tim Cone.
The 27-year-old San Miguel Beer import said that it was a no-brainer making the decision and immediately accepted the invitation to be part of the national team the moment SMC sports director Al Francis Chua reached out to him.
“Once he asked, I knew I was gonna consider it,” said Boatwright recalling the moment when Chua talked to him about the possibility after SMB’s semifinals series against Barangay Ginebra last conference.
“Couple of players mentioned it to me and coaches were asking me if I’m open to it. After we played Ginebra, after that series, Boss Al asked me if I was open to it and I said for sure. And that’s where it started,” he added.
The sweet-shooting big man was back in the country to formally start his naturalization process. He was watched from the sidelines in the Beemen’s 112-103 victory over the Converge FiberXers on Friday, April 19.
The 6-foot-9 forward, who was a catalyst to SMB’s title run in the 2023-’24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, said it helped that he already experienced the basketball culture in the country during that stint in making the decision to undergo the long naturalization process.
“I would say, first of all, living here , you know, experiencing the culture, experiencing everything, and my teammates, coaches, they all made me feel welcome so it was a no-brainer,” he added.
Should his naturalization be done, Boatwright is joining resident Ginebra import Justin Brownlee, NBA star Jordan Clarkson and Fil-Ivorian center Ange Kouame in the naturalized player pool. He could also share the court anew with SMB teammates CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo who are both part of the Gilas pool.
He will also be playing under Cone, who spoke highly of Boatwright, especially on his offensive prowess which was in full display when he was still playing with the Beermen.
“I’m excited. It was tough playing against Coach Tim-coached team in the playoffs, so I’m excited to go and be under his system,” said Boatwright.
