Bennie Boatwright, Gilas Pilipinas' prime naturalization candidate, has signed with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the KBL and will team up with SJ Belangel.
Gilas Pilipinas naturalization candidate Bennie Boatwright has found a new home in Asia after signing with the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus of the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
The move keeps the 29-year-old big man in the region following his release from the Taipei Fubon Braves of the P.League+.
“Explosive scoring power, perfect shooting. Benny Boatwright joins the Pegasus Legion,” Daegu KOGAS wrote in its announcement.
Boatwright will now suit up alongside former Gilas guard SJ Belangel and wasted little time seeing action, making his KBL debut on Monday. He finished with eight points in Daegu’s 87–77 loss to Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners.
Boatwright’s recent journey has not been without setbacks. He missed a significant portion of 2024 after suffering an Achilles injury while playing in the United States, which limited his opportunities before he returned to Asia.
Before that, Boatwright made a strong impression in the Philippines while playing for the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, helping the Beermen win the championship and quickly emerging as a leading candidate for Gilas’ next naturalized player.
His naturalization bid took a key step forward last November when he attended congressional hearings.
Boatwright was alongside former UP Fighting Maroons center Malick Diouf, who is being eyed for the Gilas 3x3 pool, and Elizabeth Means for the Gilas Women program.
[ALSO READ: Bennie Boatwright, Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means take first steps in naturalization bids]
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.