Boatwright takes oath of allegiance

BENNIE Boatwright moved closer to becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen and a possible stint with the men’s national basketball team after taking his oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag recently. The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) posted a photo of Boatwright taking the oath at the Philippine consulate in China, where the 6-foot-10 Boatwright currently plays as import for the Fujian Sturgeons in the Chinese Basketball Association. The 30-year-old Boatwright simply needs to complete the final step of securing a Philippine passport so he can finally play for Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player. SBP is hoping that the former San Miguel Beer import can get his Philippine passport in time for the November window of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The Philippines will next face Syria and Iran in Seremban, Malaysia. Boatwright’s naturalization lapsed into law in September as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. neither signed nor vetoed the bill after 30 days on his desk. Having Boatwright as a naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas in the coming Asian Qualifiers is a huge boost for the national team considering that Justin Brownlee has been hounded by multiple injuries to his legs and hamstring. National coach Tim Cone also revealed Brownlee has been...