At naturalization hearing, prospective Gilas reinforcement Boatwright professes love for Philippines

MANILA, Philippines -- Bennie Boatwright “would love” to retire in the Philippines if given the chance, he said Wednesday, as his naturalization hearing at the Senate resumed. 

The committee on justice and human rights held a hearing on the measures providing naturalizations to the basketball player Boatwright and wrestler Matt Ramos. 

During the hearing, the 29-year-old forward said that he has talked with his family regarding staying in the Philippines for good. 

“Yeah, for sure. For sure. I'm actually... This is something I talk about with my family. Just like one day being able to do a camp, a basketball camp here in the Philippines,” he said. 

“You know, in areas that's probably less fortunate. Just going there and being able to run a camp and have basketball, teaching them basketball.” 

He said that he has thought of staying in the country for good after retiring. 

“I have family in the United States. So, it's definitely... I'll go back home, at least to visit. But I would love to live here.” 

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has pushed for Boatwright, who is currently an import for the San Miguel Beermen, to be a naturalized player for the Philippine basketball team. 

Earlier in the week, though, SBP executive director Erika Dy said that it is still Justin Brownlee who will likely represent Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA World Cup Qualifier windows. 

Boatwright, on Wednesday, said he hopes that his naturalization, once finalized, will result in wins for the Philippine team. 

The 6-foot-10 sweet-shooting big said that he is already familiar with the Filipino culture, growing up in Southern California. 

And once he arrived in the country, he immediately felt the Filipino love. 

“I grew up in Southern California. And there was a big Filipino community there. So, just growing up, I've had plenty of Filipino friends… So, I'm familiar with the culture just growing up,” he said. 

“When I played here in the PBA, I felt at home. As soon as I got off the plane, I appreciate everybody's support. And, you know, I just love, I love playing here. I love being here. And, but yeah, I'm excited for the opportunity.”