The 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals has been lopsided in favor of the San Miguel Beermen, but we can all agree that Bennie Boatwright Jr. and Tyler Bey have been the best imports in this conference. Not only have they led their respective teams to the finals, but they’ve done so with consistency and by silencing the doubters along the way. 

Prior to Boatwright Jr.’s arrival, SMB was in total disarray, down a few players and having bouts of inconsistency. An illness delayed Boatwright Jr.’s debut, but since his arrival, it’s been nothing but victories for San Miguel. Of course, it coincided with the return of the likes of June Mar Fajardo, but as the Commissioner’s Cup went on, it was clear that Boatwright Jr. has been a perfect fit for the Beermen, who are now two wins away from a Commissioner’s Cup championship. 

Meanwhile, the Magnolia Hotshots have been the pace setter for much of the conference, emerging as the top seed entering the postseason. Tyler Bey has been a major reason for this, as he is surely the frontrunner for the 2023-2024 Best Player of the Conference. The skill, athleticism, and the overall effort have been a blessing for the Hotshots and a disruptive force for opponents. 

As it stands, though, Boatwright Jr. and SMB have the upper hand over Magnolia, but the finals series is a story for another time. Gilas Pilipinas recently announced the new direction it was taking under the Tim Cone regime, and Boatwright Jr. and Bey have been floated as potential candidates for naturalization down the road. 

Justin Brownlee remains the primary option for Gilas Pilipinas when Jordan Clarkson can’t suit up for the Philippines. However, the inclusion of Boatwright Jr. and/or Bey could provide Gilas with a bridge to their future. Both are in their mid to late twenties and given their performances in the 2023-2024 Commissioner’s Cup, it’s clear that they’ve developed chemistry with their teammates, some of whom have suited up for Gilas Pilipinas at different points in time. 

Accomplishments aside, Boatwright Jr. and Bey may be what the Philippines needs from a positional standpoint. Gone are the days when the Gilas needed a naturalized player who primarily plays center as June Mar Fajardo, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu have proven that Gilas Pilipinas can produce capable local big men. Boatwright Jr. and Bey can play either of the forward spots and have enough skill to allow Fajardo, Sotto, and Edu to have space inside. Of course, they could spend time at the five, but that could come in spurts rather than bunches. 

Health too has not been an issue for both Boatwright Jr. and Bey and them starting out at a younger age than the other naturalized Gilas Pilipinas players should provide stability for the various competitions in which the Philippines will participate in for the next two years or so. 

Moreover, Boatwright Jr. and Bey seem very much coachable, with a mentorship under Brownlee only going to provide valuable insight into the responsibilities and the demands that will come with being arguably the most important player on the national team. 

Bennie Boatwright Jr. and Tyler Bey are currently slugging it out in the 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but if Gilas Pilipinas comes calling, we could be seeing more of them this time in our national colors. Both are very viable candidates who can lead the Philippines into the future so while we can only hope, it’s on the parties involved to make it happen.