June Mar Fajardo is certain that Bennie Boatwright can fit in just right with Gilas Pilipinas now that the latter is set to become part of the program soon.
The veteran internationalist expressed confidence in light of the news that his former San Miguel teammate has agreed to undergo naturalization as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas looks to expand its naturalized players pool.
“For sure, ‘yung laro niya sa San Miguel madadala niya sa Gilas,” he said shortly after San Miguel’s 116-102 win over Phoenix to go 3-0 in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Boatwright, 27, has been eyed to be part of the men’s team after impressing for the Beermen in the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, posting averages of 30.31 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 3.46 assists to lead the club to the crown.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone confirmed last February that they have sent out feelers to the American, but it’s only now that things are set to be in motion after reportedly agreeing in principle with the national federation.
With this, Boatwright will be the latest addition to the Filipino dribblers’ pool of naturalized cagers, which presently has Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame.
The resident Ginebra import remains the primary option but the former USC Trojan’s pending addition would be of great help for the program in future tournaments such as the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.
Should he become naturalized, he’ll be seeing himself playing with his SMB brothers once more in Fajardo and CJ Perez, both of which are part of the Gilas team Cone is planning to keep and hone in the next four years.
The seven-time PBA MVP himself couldn’t be any happier for Boatwright, excited as well to see what the 6-foot-10 big man could bring to the team.
“Masaya ako para kay Bennie. Malaking tulong para sa national team,” Fajardo said. “May tira siya sa labas, tapos malaki siya, may poste rin siya.
“Yung mga [naturalized player] naman, iba-iba ‘yung ano nila. Tingin ko maganda maco-contribute ni Bennie sa national team,” he added.
