3 foreign basketball players begin naturalization for PH national teams

Three foreign basketball players—Bennie Boatwright, Maodo Malick Diouf, and Elizabeth Jeanette Means—have initiated their naturalization process to potentially play for the Philippine national teams.

Boatwright, who won a championship with the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA, is being eyed to join Gilas Men.

Means, a forward who played for Division II school Westminster University, is primed to beef up Gilas Women preferably before it competes in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup that the country is hosting in 2027.

Diouf, a slotman who suited up for the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, is likely to be in the Gilas 3x3 crew, though his presence would also be welcome in the 5-on-5 team's pool.

The players attended an initial Justice committee hearing at the House of Representatives as part of the naturalization proceedings.

Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame are the current naturalized players representing the Philippines in international competitions.