SBP hopeful Kouame’s naturalization will be signed into law as PHL replaces NZ at FIBA Olympic qualifiers

Published February 27, 2021 2:58pm

Ateneo center Ange Kouame goes for a basket as the Blue Eagles completes a 14-0 sweep of the UAAP Season 82 men's basketball elimination round after a masterful 86-64 victory over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has expressed its anticipation for Ange Kouame’s naturalization as the Philippines replaces New Zealand at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020.

“Whenever we compete in international tournaments, we always aim to send the best team possible to make our Filipino fans proud,” said SBP president Al S. Panlilio.

“We will be coordinating with the PBA to plot our plans moving forward and we’re hopeful that Ange Kouame’s naturalization will be signed into law by then to give Gilas Pilipinas Men that added boost it needs to be more competitive,” he said.

The Senate committee on justice and human rights on Wednesday approved the bill seeking to grant Philippine citizenship to student athlete Kakou Ange Franck Williams Kouame.

SBP on Friday announced that the Philippines will be represented in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2020 as the “best ranked team” from the Asia-Oceania Region after New Zealand pulled out of the competition.

“This is truly a welcome development and we’re very happy that Gilas Pilipinas Men will be given a chance to compete for a spot in the Olympics,” said Panlilio.

Panlilio said SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan had a conversation with FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis “who informed him of the development.”

Serbia will be hosting Group A in Belgrade with the Philippines and the Dominican Republic slated for June 29 to July 1. – RC, GMA News

Tags: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament, SBP, Gilas Pilipinas, Al Panlilio