Gilas reinforcement Boatwright takes oath of allegiance

MANILA, Philippines -- Bennie Boatwright’s Gilas Pilipinas debut is getting close. 

Boatwright has taken his oath of allegiance to the Philippines, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced Wednesday. 

The 30-year-old forward is currently playing with the Fujian Sturgeons in the Chinese Basketball Association. He previously played as import for the San Miguel Beermen. 

“Another step forward for Bennie Boatwright as he has already taken his Oath of Allegiance. The final step now is the processing of his Philippine Passport,” the SBP said. 

Once his naturalization is completed, he will be eligible to be fielded for Gilas in international tournaments. 

Gilas is currently in an uphill battle to make it to the FIBA World Cup. 

In the Asian qualifiers, the Philippines is currently in fifth place of Group E with a 4-4 win-loss record. 

Only the top three teams of each group, as well as the best fourth-placed team, will qualify in the World Cup. 

The next window for the Philippines is in November. They will take on 2-6 Syria and 5-3 Iran at the Karisma Arena in Seremban, Malaysia. 

Boatwright’s naturalization will give Gilas head coach another option for the reinforcement spot. 

The Philippines, in the previous window, played without resident import Justin Brownlee. 

Still, Gilas defeated Jordan and Iran at home.