Nov 11, 2026
MANILA, Philippines — Tim Cone welcomes the entry of Bennie Boatwright as he’s set to make his debut as Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized player in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers late this November. “He’s a talented guy; he’s gonna lend a lot of talent to the team and size and perimeter shooting, so he’s a welcome addition,” Cone said Tuesday night, during the post-game chat with sportswriters after Barangay Ginebra ousted San Miguel Beer, 110-94 in their PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series to seal the last semifinal spot. Cone though recognizes the reality that the 6-10 former USC Trojan might struggle initially as he steps up the plate to take the spot of Justin Brownlee. “We’re certainly gonna miss Justin, however, ’cause Justin, he just knows what to do. “And that’s gonna be a difference,” Cone said, noting how much value the well-loved Ginebra resident import and Gilas naturalized player has brought to the teams he has played. “He’s gonna maybe struggle a little bit with 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,” added Cone, in what he could expect as an initial adjustment on the part of Boatwright. Boatwright joins the team in good playing condition as he’s currently seeing action for the Fujian Sturgeons in the Chinese Basketball Association. The 6-10 former San Miguel reinforcement adds size as he joins Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips who were all named to the final 12 that will see action against Syria on Nov. 27.