Gilas Pilipinas got a much needed boost ahead of its international competition with the naturalization of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles center Angelo Kouame.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Tuesday announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has already signed House Bill No. 5951, enacting the naturalization bill for Kouame into a law.
SBP President Al Panlilio said that the 6-foot-10 Ivorian center will now undergo the final steps required by FIBA before a naturalized player can suit up for the national men’s basketball team.
Kouame is expected to play for Gilas Pilipinas when the country plays host to the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers next month and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia in July.
“Although Kouame’s presence is crucial for these two tournaments, having him as an official member of the squad in the upcoming games is an early investment as we build towards the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup,” Panlilio said.
“It’s a great day for Philippine basketball and we’re thankful for the full support of our basketball community,” added the SBP official.
The 23-year-old is a two-time UAAP champion with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. He was the first foreign student-athlete to bag the UAAP Rookie of the Year award, achieving the feat in 2018.
“I seriously don’t know how to express my emotions right now but I’m proud to be a kababayan,” said Kouame, who is currently training with Gilas team at the Inspire Sports Arena in Calamba, Laguna.
“Thanks to all the people that were part of this process helping in the up and down. Thank you Lord for the opportunity given and let’s keep moving, business ain’t done. Puso!,” he added.
