Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 27) — Ateneo Blue Eagles center Angelo Kouame may soon don the Philippine colors as the proposal for his naturalization reached the Senate.
Senator Sonny Angara filed Senate Bill No. 1892 on Oct. 22 to formally naturalize the 20-year old big man from the Ivory Coast as part of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team.
“We have seen what Kouame has accomplished as a member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the past three years and his game continues to develop. We have not seen the full potential of Kouame yet and his desire to continue developing his game here in the Philippines is something that is worth supporting,” said Angara, also the chairman of the country’s basketball governing body Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
The 6-foot-10 Kouame averaged 12.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 1.4 assists to lead the Ateneo Blue Eagles into a 16-0 sweep and three-peat title conquest in the UAAP Season 82. He also won the Rookie of the Year in Season 81.
FIBA rules allow only one naturalized player in a national basketball team. The Philippines has fielded two naturalized players in international competitions so far — Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche.
The move to naturalize Kouame is seen to bolster the country’s preparations for a successful performance and hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The House bill concerning Kouame’s naturalization, filed by SBP vice chairman and Antipolo City first district Rep. Robbie Puno, has been pending before the House Committee on Justice since January.
