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Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas hopes against hope that Angelo Kouame’s naturalization to become a Filipino will do so by the time the second window of the 2021 FIBA Asian Cup Qualifiers rolls around later this month.
But if not, Gilas Pilipinas will be ready to play all Filipino against Thailand on the 26th, Korea on the 28th, and Thailand again on the 30th in Manama, Bahrain.
“That is really the plan” Bared SBP Special Assistant to President Ryan Gregorio at 2OT, presented by SMART.“Some things are out of our control. If there is something magical we can do to make Kouame available on November 27th, we will of course accept it.
“But if not, we understand that there is a process.”
In addition to Kouame, also in Gilas’ Calambubble are Isaac Go, the Nieto twins, Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, Jaydee Tungcab, the Gomez de Liaño brothers, Dwight Ramos, Justine Baltazar, Dave Ildefonso, William Navarro, Calvin Oftana and Kemark Carino. Kobe Paras is expected to arrive on Saturday as well.
Although the naturalization process of the Ivory Coast case is currently in the House of Representatives through a bill drafted by Representative Robbie Puno last February. She has also been endorsed by Senator Sonny Angara in the Senate last month.
But naturalization in the country takes a long time.
In 2010, it was a full seven months before Marcus Douthit became a Filipino. Andray Blatche’s case, on the other hand, also took seven months in 2014.
Whether or not he plays in this window, it is important to have Kouame at camp now so that he learns the Gilas culture.
“We are trying to get Ange ready for February, so the important thing we want to do right now is for him to be part of the system, part of the group, understand exactly the system that we are trying to implement and that he will also play the chemistry. a big factor,”Said the friendly executive, who was also a three-time PBA Coach of the Year.
“That’s why we included it in the group because it’s no secret anyway, we could also use it as early as part of our scouting team, for example, and be related to how we want to do things.” he continued.
“It’s not about the X’s and O’s in basketball. Attitude and character also play an important role and we have to start early in his practice sessions to languish, he will be able to embrace the type of team we want to establish to represent our Gilas Pilipinas in future international competitions. “
