BENNIE BOATWRIGHT IS NATURALIZED

So, I don't know why this took so long.

Probably because Philippine politics got in the way?

Also, I guess it's typical for us to forget that we did something and just let time pass until we forget that it even existed. I mean, I get that the whole Senate mess happened around this time, so his naturalization took a backseat to everything else. Imagine the drama this would have unearthed if we had lost our last two games and fielding an all-local lineup was the reason given for why we failed to get the wins.

But I guess this is both a blessing and a curse, as Bennie Boatwright is finally a naturalized player.

This is good news. The San Miguel import's naturalization would be helpful, especially with Justin Brownlee showing his age. Brownlee is still the primary naturalized player, but he's already 38, and the wear and tear of national team duty and playing two conferences per season have taken their toll on his body.

PBA STATS | https://www.project-sydrified.com/pba-stats-bennie-boatwright

And I mean, in terms of legacy, he is already up there as one of the all-time great imports to play in any league or tournament involving the Philippines. Hell, I can even see him follow in the footsteps of our Mount Rushmore of imports like Norman Black, Sean Chambers, and the late Bobby Parks if he decides to pursue coaching.

But yeah, we need Boatwright now more than ever.

It's also some sort of blessing that Boatwright can't be used for the Asian Games. This means that if Brownlee is available, he gets to play for the Asiad squad, with Boatwright playing for us in the FIBA window.

I know the Asian Games feels like a demotion for Brownlee, but it's also a way to throw off our opponents for the main mission. Brownlee has been our naturalized player for almost a decade now, and his familiarity with our opponents is kind of a double-edged sword.

I bet most of the Middle Eastern coaches have a bunch of pages dedicated to figuring out how to stop or contain our prized JB.

I mean, except for Australia, how can they not see Brownlee as a major threat?

This makes Bennie Boatwright's inclusion vital.

Yes, Boatwright has played in the Philippines, China, Chinese Taipei, and Korea. All the coaches need to do is check out his gameplay on the One Sports YouTube page. But as long as he can hit his shots, follow Tim Cone's plays, find chemistry with the locals, and understand how rabid the Gilas fanbase is, then everything should be good for Boatwright.

The only thing that could work against Boatwright is his overeagerness to show what he's made of.

I mean, this isn't just limited to imports. If a new hire will do everything to impress in the office, then how much more so the new guy who was hired to play like an MVP?

Again, I am not a big-time coach, nor do I have plans to be one, but the best way for Gilas to claim the wins in the November window is to play Brownlee in the Asian Games and Boatwright in the FIBA games.

I'm sure Syria would find it hard to defend against this, and while I bet Iran would see through it, I doubt they'll pressure him as hard, considering that we also have Kai Sotto and AJ Edu in the middle.

Sotto at center, Edu at PF, and Boatwright as the combo forward?

Oh, yeah!