NEWLY-MINTED Filipino Bennie Boatwright is finally good to go for Gilas Pilipinas.
The main concern, however, is how quick the 6-foot-10 sniper can blend with the Nationals before they embark on the crucial fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers later this month in Malaysia.
According to coach Tim Cone, Mr. Boatwright, who plays for Chinese club Fujian Sturgeons, could only link up with Gilas on Nov. 23 in the middle of its training camp in Kuala Lumpur (KL) — a mere four days before its first assignment against Syria in Seremban.
“That’s tough because he hasn’t been with us, hasn’t had any time at all. So we’re going to have to try to figure out a way to make him effective within the system and try to tweak it so we can get him effective,” he said.
Gilas is banking on Mr. Boatwright’s talent and basketball IQ to help a smooth integration despite time limitations.
“Benny (Boatwright) is going to maybe struggle a little bit in what he’s supposed to do and how he’s supposed to do it, but we’re hoping his talent will win out on that,” said Mr. Cone.
Mr. Boatwright was part of Gilas Final 12 unveiled on Wednesday by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for the matches against Syria (Nov. 27) and Iran (Nov. 29).
Another new addition is on it — 2023 World Cup bet Rhenz Abando, who joins Window 4 holdovers Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, CJ Perez, Juan Gomez de Liaño and Kevin Quiambao as well as returning Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips.
Gilas, at least the main bulk, is set to start their KL hub on the 21st.
The Nationals currently sit at fifth place (4-4) in Group E, but is just within striking distance of Iran and Jordan, which are both tied at 5-3, behind pacesetting Australia (8-0) and powerhouse New Zealand (6-2).
The goal is to sweep the two assignments in Malaysia to boost their stock before making the final push in the sixth and final window in Cebu in February.
“We think this team is up to it. The team we put together is up to it,” said Mr. Cone. — Olmin Leyba