Boatwright open to play for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer import Bennie Boatwright Jr. won’t hesitate to suit up for the Philippines if he’s asked to be naturalized and said yesterday it would be an honor to play with Gilas.

“I would love to (play for the Philippines),” said Boatwright who came in as Ivan Aska’s replacement and is averaging 40.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, four assists, 1.5 turnovers and 42.5 minutes in four PBA Commissioner’s Cup games. “I think it would be an honor and a great opportunity for me if presented.”

Boatwright’s father Bennie, Sr. served in the Los Angeles Police Department for over 30 years and used to bring him and his brother Daniel to the gym for dawn or midnight workouts to shoot 500 to 1,000 bankers, pull-up jumpers and foul shots. His godfather, PBA legend Francois Wise, taught him rebounding techniques. Boatwright finished his four-year varsity career as the University of Southern California’s all-time leading rebounder and sixth all-time leading scorer.

San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla said Boatwright would be a fitting candidate for Gilas. “He’s just 27, really highly-skilled,” said Abanilla. “He has a very good attitude. He thinks it would be great to be invited (for naturalization) and it would be such an honor for him. The international game, in my opinion, would fit his style of play. He can shoot outside, can pass, handles the ball well and stands 6-10 with shoes.” Boatwright was measured 6-8 3/8 by the PBA, laying flat on his back.

San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent described Boatwright as an “all-around player (who) can open the floor for his teammates.” In the PBA, Boatwright is hitting 54 percent from the floor, 42.6 percent from beyond the arc and 68 percent from the line. He played for the Detroit Pistons once and Indiana Pacers twice in three NBA Summer Leagues and saw action in Israel and Mexico before landing in the PBA.