MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas got a much-needed boost ahead of the international competitions with the naturalization of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles center Angelo Kouame.
On Tuesday, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has already signed House Bill No. 5951, enacting the naturalization bill for Kouame into law.
According to SBP president Al Panlilio, the 6-foot-10 Ivorian center will undergo the final steps required by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) before a naturalized player can suit up for the national men’s basketball team.
Kouame is expected to play for Gilas Pilipinas in 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.
The 23-year-old Kouame is a two-time UAAP champion during his stint with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the first foreign student-athlete to bag the Rookie of the Year award 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 the Gilas team at the Inspire Sports Arena in Laguna.
He is the third foreign player to be naturalized for the national men’s basketball team aside from former NBA players Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche./PN
