Bennie Boatwright takes his oath as a Filipino citizen

Bennie Boatwright, the 6-foot-10 forward the Philippines has been working to naturalize for Gilas Pilipinas, took his oath of allegiance as a Filipino citizen on Wednesday, October 21. He took it in China, where he is playing this season as an import for the Fujian Sturgeons of the Chinese Basketball Association.

The oath is the step that follows the law. Boatwright's naturalization bill lapsed into law in September, when it was neither signed nor vetoed within 30 days. The Philippines wants him available for the next window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, five weeks away.

Where the paperwork stands

Whether any step remains before he can play for Gilas in FIBA competition was not confirmed on Wednesday. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the national federation, said earlier this month that it expects him to be ready for the November window. The federation has not named its roster for the November games.

What the November window means

The Philippines are fifth in Group E of the second round, at 4-4. Australia lead the group at 8-0, New Zealand are 6-2, and Iran and Jordan are 5-3. Syria are 2-6.

Gilas won both of their games in the August window: 82-81 over Jordan on August 28 and 68-56 over Iran on August 30. They are a game behind Iran and Jordan.

The August window, from August 27 to 31, was the start of the second round, and the rest of the group's results show how the table split. Australia beat Syria 123-64 and Jordan 126-93. New Zealand beat Iran 93-91 and Syria 126-74. Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines were the three teams to win both of their August games.

The fifth window is played at one site, Seremban, Malaysia. The Philippines play Syria on Friday, November 27, and Iran on Sunday, November 29,. Iran, Jordan and the Philippines, the three teams between 4-4 and 5-3, all play inside those three days. Iran meet Australia on Friday before facing the Philippines. Jordan play New Zealand on Friday and Australia on Sunday. Syria, who have won two of their eight games, play New Zealand on Sunday after facing Gilas. The sixth and last window of the second round follows in late February and early March 2027.

The other group

Group F plays its November games home and away rather than at one site. Japan and Lebanon lead at 6-2, China are 5-3, Korea and Qatar are 4-4, and Saudi Arabia are 3-5. On Thursday, November 26, Qatar host Korea in Doha, Saudi Arabia host China in Jeddah, and Lebanon host Japan in Zouk Mikael. On Sunday, November 29, Qatar host Japan, Saudi Arabia host Korea, and Lebanon host China.

The player

Fujian lost 99-94 at home to the Zhejiang Lions on Tuesday in the CBA's second round. Our CBA report has the round's results. Fujian are 1-1 and host the Ningbo Rockets on Thursday, October 22, the day after the oath.

For Gilas, the law is done and the oath is taken. What the federation still has to show is that he is cleared in time for Seremban.

What is next

Fujian play Ningbo on Thursday. The FIBA window opens on Thursday, November 26, and Gilas play Syria the following day.

Update: Boatwright scored six in Fujian's 95-76 win over Ningbo the day after his oath.