Kouame Naturalization Takes a Step Forward

While Gilas Pilas won't have Angelo Kouame for the third and final window of the 2021 International Basketball  Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup qualifiers, things are looking brighter for the national team as Kouame's naturalization process took a much-needed step forward.

On Thursday, the Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives approved the committee report and is set for sponsorship by the House Plenary on Monday, February 8. From there, House Bill Number 5951 which aims to naturalize the Ivorian center from Ateneo, as a Filipino citizen, will need to undergo a second reading and, a final reading. 

Meanwhile, the Senate's counterpart of the said bill, known as Senate Bill Number 1892 which was filed by Senator Sonny Angara, has already gained the endorsement in the upper house. 

Kouame averaged 12 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in which the Ateneo Blue Eagles completed a rare 16-0 sweep of the season en route to a three-peat. 

Gilas Pilipinas is set to fly for Doha, Qatar for the final window of the Asia Cup qualifiers where the nationals will face Korea twice and will also play against Indonesia. A win will propel the Filipinos to the FIBA Asia Cup in August. 

Photo is from ESPN