House Approves Angelo Kouame Naturalization on Third Reading

Gilas Pilipinas moves closer to having the young naturalized player in its history.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved House Bill Number 8632, which aims to allow Angelo Kouame to play for the national team as a naturalized Filipino citizen, on the third and final reading. The bill was sponsored by Antipolo First District Representative Robbie Puno who is also serving as the Vice Chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

In a statement, Puno said, "There is no doubt that his (Koume's) presence will allow Gilas Pilipinas to keep in step with the other national teams, most of whom have their own naturalized players,"

On the part of the Senate, it was Senator Sonny Angara who filed the Senate's counterpart of the said bill that gained the endorsement of the upper house. Should Angara's bill get the approval of the Senate, both houses will meet in the bicameral conference committee where they will come up with the final version before sending it to the table of President Rodrigo Duterte for the president's signature to make it a law. 

Kouame has been playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) where Ateneo completed a rare 16-0 season sweep in Season 82 en route to the Blue Eagles' third straight championship. Should his naturalization process speed up, he will be a big boost for Gilas Pilipinas who are looking to secure a spot in the 2021 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup in August. More importantly, Kouame's presence will help the national team as the country is set to be one of the three host nations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The 23-year old Ivorian center averaged 12 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in Season 82 of the UAAP. 

Photo is from ESPN