THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) remains interested in securing the naturalization of former San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright, but acknowledged that national concerns must come first, with sports matters taking a backseat for now.
Although it seems current Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Justin Brownlee may still get a backup, the SBP emphasized that the process is now dependent on action from the Philippine Congress.
Boatwright’s naturalization timeline remains uncertain, however, as Congress continues to be tied up with investigations into irregular flood control projects, which have taken precedence.
Still on Hold
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy noted that progress has been made since the 20th Congress convened last July, but they are now simply awaiting the official green light from the government.
“It had already been refiled in this Congress when it opened,” Dy told a media during an appearance at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum in Manila on Tuesday. “We’re just waiting for the Committee on Justice to call us for the first reading.”
Although the naturalization process has been ongoing for a while, Dy recognizes that the House of Representatives is currently prioritizing matters of greater national significance over fast-tracking their request.
At present, Congress is heavily engaged with numerous hearings involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly regarding its controversial and corruption-ridden flood control initiatives.
“Scheduling process na lang siya, but the Congress has a lot of other things to take care of bago tayo dumating diyan. We’re trying to be as patient as we can because there are also other national concerns that come ahead of this,” Dy said.
Gilas Women
It seems that the Gilas Pilipinas Men aren’t the only ones actively working on naturalization plans. Dy also revealed some updates regarding a potential naturalized player for the Gilas Women.
“For Favour Onoh, she already left the Philippines due to a scholarship offer in the US NCAA,” Dy said of the former University of the Philippines’ (UP) UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year.
“We’re still trying to keep in touch with her, but we haven’t really decided yet if we’re pushing through with her naturalization,” Dy added.
Earlier this year, UP confirmed that the 6-foot-4 Onoh left the Fighting Maroons to chase an NCAA career with Oklahoma State University. As a result, SBP may need to explore other possibilities for now.
On the other hand, after an extended break due to injury, Boatwright is back in action with the Taipei Fubon Braves in Taiwan’s P. League+, giving Gilas Pilipinas another opportunity to evaluate him.
