SMB keeps Bennie Boatwright in sight as Commissioner’s Cup plans hinge on KBL fate

Even with Bennie Boatwright already plying his trade in South Korea, San Miguel Beer has not crossed the door on a possible reunion for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Beermen remain firmly interested in the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player candidate, viewing him as their top import option for the midseason tournament that tips off on March 11—provided circumstances allow. Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed that Boatwright’s name continues to sit at the top of San Miguel’s wish list, though his availability remains the biggest question mark.

“Yes, nasa listahan namin siya,” Abanilla said. “Pero depende sa sitwasyon niya. Kung mag-a-advance yung team niya. So it really depends.”

Boatwright recently signed with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League, a move that caught San Miguel slightly off guard. The Pegasus are currently tied at the bottom of the standings with a 9-20 record alongside the Seoul Samsung Thunders, and while their playoff hopes are slim, the KBL season runs until April—overlapping with the PBA’s import conference.

Abanilla revealed that communication between the two sides never stopped, especially after Boatwright parted ways with the Taipei Fubon Braves in the P. League+.

“The last time I communicated with him, tinanong niya lang sa akin kung ano yung schedule ng Commissioner’s Cup,” Abanilla said.

“Right after lumabas (news about the Fubon Braves), nag-text na ako agad sa kanya, and then he asked for it (Commissioner’s Cup schedule).”

That line of communication, however, was quickly overtaken by events. Just days later, Boatwright committed to a KBL stint.

“Nagulat na lang kami na pumirma na siya sa Korea,” Abanilla said while speaking from the sidelines of the Philippine Cup semifinals between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra.

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6’11 Bennie Boatwright has joined Kogas Pegasus in KBL, teaming up with SJ Belangel and Ricardo Ratliffe. @TheDeanQuinito pic.twitter.com/KbanJuwA1L

— Genesis Olaes (@GenesisOla20371) January 4, 2026

From San Miguel’s perspective, the move appears less about opportunity and more about rhythm. Abanilla believes Boatwright may have chosen Korea to stay game-ready following recovery from an Achilles injury.

“I was thinking na baka ayaw niya lang mabakante, gusto niya tuloy-tuloy lang,” he said. “Well, he’s already healed, pero yung time niya, siguro gusto niyang makuha pa, and he could only get that from playing.”

Still, Abanilla admitted that an earlier return to San Miguel would have been ideal. The Commissioner’s Cup window would have allowed Boatwright to reacclimate to the Beermen’s system—one he already mastered en route to the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup title.

“This is the best chance to bring him early, get acclimatized, and be re-acquainted with the San Miguel system again. Kaso naging ganun ang desisyon niya,” Abanilla said.

Now, the situation hinges on how far Daegu KOGAS goes. A late-season surge or playoff qualification could complicate any potential release, forcing San Miguel to balance patience with practicality.

“Ang dilemma ngayon, kung mag-advance (yung team),” Abanilla said. “Siyempre kailangan rin ng mga coaches to decide on something. Hindi naman pwedeng, ‘O baka libre na siya ngayon, kunin na natin.’”

“Kung libre siya, edi OK.”

Until then, San Miguel waits—keeping Boatwright firmly on the radar as they prepare for the Commissioner’s Cup, aware that timing may ultimately decide whether a familiar import returns or the Beermen are forced to look elsewhere. 

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