Brownlee, Boatwright power duo in Asiad?

MANILA, Philippines — The 2026 Asian Games isn’t deviating from the eligibility rules implemented in the previous Asiad, giving coach Tim Cone a wider pool to choose from the 12 players to bring to a title-retention mission.

A possibility is Justin Brownlee teaming up with Bennie Boatwright to lead the Gilas’ quest, with passport as mere basis for entry to the Nagoya Games.

Boatwright’s naturalization bid has been approved by Congress and is now to go through the Senate process.

Sen. Bong Go is batting for the granting of citizenship to Boatwright to help Gilas upgrade for future battles.

“Though nakapasok na tayo sa next round (of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers), malaking tulong po ‘yun kung sakaling maipasa natin dito (Senate). At least, meron tayong reserba na (naturalized) players na pwede na natin i-tap kung ano ang kailangan natin,” Go said during yesterday’s hearing of the Senate committee on justice on the proposed measures for Boatwright as well as Gilas 3x3 prospects Malik Diouf and Elizabeth Means and Fil-Am wrestler Matthew Ramos.

In 2023 in Hangzhou, the Philippines ended decades of wait to savor Asiad golden moment again on an epic feat carved out by Brownlee, Chris Newsome, Kevin Alas, Scottie Thompson, Arvin Tolentino, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, Japeth Aguilar and Ange Kouame.

With the FIBA eligibility rules waived, Brownlee and Kouame – both naturalized – were allowed to play together.

In Nagoya, Brownlee and Kouame can go to battle side by side again. And Cone could also field in Boatwright should his naturalization is approved by then.

Up in the air is the availability of Kai Sotto especially as he’s continuing to chase his NBA dream, hoping to achieve it via the college ball path in the US.

“Depende sa outcome siguro ng pagsali niya sa eskwelahan. Pero kailangan natin siya. And we’ll do all we can to bring him back,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Ricky Vargas.

The SBP chief said one can’t fault Sotto.

“Playing for the country and sacrificing your dream is laudable. But going for your dream and saying I will play for the country when I’m free is also very laudable. Both are correct,” said Vargas.