Wise takes no credit

PBA legend Francois Wise claims no credit in how his godson Bennie Boatwright Jr. has become an outstanding basketball player although it’s often mentioned he was responsible for teaching the San Miguel Beer import his rebounding techniques. Boatwright finished his four-year University of Southern California (USC) varsity career as the school’s all-time leading rebounder so Wise’s influence had a lot of impact for sure even if he humbly wouldn’t admit it. In the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Boatwright is averaging 37 points and 12.4 rebounds.

Wise, 65, played in 118 PBA games with U-Tex, Tanduay, Manila Beer and Hills Brothers over five seasons until 1987. He once scored 74 points in a Tanduay outing. His son Eric also suited up in the PBA as an import for Barako Bull in 2014. In PBA history, there were three other imports whose sons played in the league – Norman Black and Aaron, Bobby Parks and Bobby Ray and Dartona Washam and Tony.

Wise’s connection with Boatwright was through his father Bennie Sr. Wise and Bennie Sr. served in the LA Police force for over 30 years. Bennie Sr. was a star shooting guard in high school and used to take Bennie Jr. and another son Daniel to midnight or dawn workouts to polish their stroke. Wise is 6-6 and ended his Long Beach State career as the school’s all-time leading rebounder despite his relative lack of ceiling. Boatwright is 6-8 3/8, not usually the size of a dominant rebounder, but made his mark off the boards at USC, the school that produced NBA players DeMar DeRozan, De’Anthony Melton and Nikola Vucevic.

Boatwright, whose mother is Rebecca Mejia, has a sister and two brothers. He was recruited by top schools like UCLA, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas and Washington but chose USC. Boatwright, 27, once knocked down 10 triples in a Trojans game and is second in career three-point conversions.

Boatwright’s middle name is Francois after his godfather. That’s how close Wise is as a family friend. And Boatwright wears No. 25 wherever he plays to honor his father who wore that same number. “His dad taught him everything,” said Wise in a phone call. “His dad and I were partners for a long time. My son Eric told me Bennie Jr. is now in the PBA. He’s an amazing player who can shoot the lights out. He’s hard to guard for his size.” Asked what he thought of Boatwright representing the Philippines as a naturalized player, Wise said, “if that’s what he wants, that would be awesome.” And Wise’s advice to his godson is “keep doing what you’re doing.”