Boatwright made sure he met height limit

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer import Bennie Boatwright is listed 6-10 in most scouting reports and with the PBA Commissioner’s Cup limit for imports at 6-9, he sent photos as proof of his actual height before flying in. Boatwright was later measured 6-8 3/8 by the PBA staff, lying flat on his back with a metal-reinforced wooden plate pressing on his bare feet, perpendicular to a table, and a carpenter’s “squala” against his head.

San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla said yesterday Boatwright had two photos of his measurement taken in Mexico and sent them to agent Paul Kevin. “When I got in touch with Paul, he offered players who had been recommended by different agents from way back,” said Abanilla. “Then he suggested Bennie. So I looked him up and viewed his games. He looked impressive, especially his skillset that would help our team. There was initial apprehension since he was listed 6-10. I passed this info to management and our coaches and they, too, were skeptical. I asked for photos of him being measured, standing up and lying down. After some deliberations, we decided to fly him over and he eventually passed the height test. After he completed all his documents, tests and clearances, Bennie started feeling under the weather and had a headache and cold after some workouts and skills assessment with coach Leo (Austria) and coach Biboy (Ravanes). True enough, he tested positive for COVID the next day, that’s why he had to delay his PBA debut.”

Abanilla said Boatwright is heaven-sent. “We’re truly lucky and blessed to have Bennie and he fits well with our team,” he added. “When JuneMar (Fajardo) was still injured and Bennie's name was mentioned, we knew he would be a good complement once JuneMar got healed.”

Abanilla said Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel are due for assessment by doctors and PTs. “Vic needs to double up his conditioning, strengthening and timing while Terrence is still managing the pain in his ankle and most likely, will need an air-cast to speed up his recovery as of last assessment,” he said. Romeo missed the semifinals while Manuel has not played this conference. “I’m just happy we’re in the Finals,” said Abanilla. “But the job isn’t done yet. As coach Jorge (Gallent) reminded the guys, we have one final ladder to hurdle.”