(UPDATE) SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio admitted that San Miguel Beer's sharpshooting import Bennie Boatwright is a strong candidate for Philippine naturalization.

However, he was also quick to add that Justine Brownlee remains Gilas' top choice at this point.

"Yes, he is," Panlilio's response to The Manila Times regarding the prospect of Boatwright being naturalized. "But we are going with Justin first, of course," he added.

Boatwright averaged 29 points and five three-point shots made in the Beermen's semifinal series sweep against the Ginebra Kings.

The American's outside shooting has been key to San Miguel's current winning streak that has stretched to 10 straight wins already dating back to the elimination round.

The Beermen are also 8-0 since Boatwright came in, including last Friday's 103-95 win over Magnolia to take Game 1 of their Finals series.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Brownlee has been included in the 12-man national team list that newly appointed Gilas coach Tim Cone released through the SBP.

The SBP announced that Brownlee will be available to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

FIBA issued Brownlee a notice of charge carrying a proposed three-month period of ineligibility in relation to the anti-doping rule violation that occurred during the 19th Asian Games.

Gilas will have less than three weeks to prepare before going into action in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Gilas takes on Hong Kong on February 22 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium, followed by Chinese Taipei on February 25 at the PhilSports Arena.

The Philippines will also compete in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 2 to 7 in Latvia.

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