San Miguel activates Bennie Boatwright

San Miguel will unveil a new import when the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup resumes play.

The team has activated 27-year-old American forward Bennie Boatwright, the league announced Friday. Boatwright will take the place of Ivan Aska, who reinforced the Beermen in their first 8 games and led them to a 5-3 record.

Boatwright, who is listed at 6-foot-10, will make his PBA debut for the reigning Philippine Cup champs on Christmas Day against the streaking Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

During his four-year college career at USC, Boatwright averaged 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He has previous professional experience in the NBA G-League.

In his last game with the Beermen, Aska turned in a strong performance, recording 25 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in San Miguel’s 98-93 win over TNT on December 17.

The Beermen hope Boatwright can pick up where Aska left off and help the team continue its winning ways.

San Miguel will continue to miss the services of main man June Mar Fajardo who is still recovering from a left hand fracture. He has missed the team’s last four matches but is expected to return in the playoffs.