By REYNALD MAGALLON
Bennie Boatwright along with former University of the Philippines center Malik Diouf and Gilas 3×3 women’s team prospect Elizabeth Means attended the House of Representative hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
In a series of posts on the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Facebook page, Boatwright, Diouf and Means were shown appearing in their respective barong for the hearing that would kickstart their bids to be naturalized Filipinos.
House Bill 04401 were filed for Boatwright, HB05899 for Diouf and HB05813 for Means, all authored by House Speaker and Isabela representative Bojie Dy.
The 6-foot-10 Boatwright is being primed as the next naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. He will be joining Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame in the national team pool.
It is still unclear, though, whether Malik Diouf will also be part of the plans for the long-term Gilas program though his naturalization would be a welcome development for Philippine basketball.
Diouf played for the University of the Philippines where he won a UAAP title in Season 84 while also claiming the Finals MVP honors. He then won the league MVP award the next season.
Means, on the other hand, is a 6-foot forward who suited up for NCAA Division II team Westminster and a candidate to become the women’s 3×3 team naturalized player.
