The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has announced that the naturalization process for San Miguel Beermen import Bennie Boatwright will continue this Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Philippine Senate.
Boatwright's Return Boosts Naturalization Prospects
With Boatwright returning as an import for the Beermen in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner's Cup, the chances of completing his naturalization process have increased. SBP executive director Erika Dy stated that this development could allow Boatwright to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the future.
The process was previously halted after Boatwright suffered an Achilles injury, which kept him out of action for an extended period.
Senate Bill No. 2646 Revisited
In 2024, former Senator Sonny Angara initially filed Senate Bill No. 2646 during the 19th Congress to support Boatwright's naturalization. Although the process is now set to resume, Dy clarified that Boatwright is not expected to play for Gilas in the upcoming 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers windows, which begin next month.
“Right now, it’s still Justin for the foreseeable future. Once he is naturalized and has a passport, only then will we consider adding him to the lineup,” Dy explained, as reported by ABS-CBN News.
