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A bill seeking the naturalization of the Ivorian center of the Blue Eagles Athenaeum, Angelo “Ange” Kouame, has hampered the House Justice Committee.
House Bill 5951, the bill that grants Philippine citizenship to Kouame, was approved during a meeting on Wednesday.
“I am grateful that my colleagues in the House of Representatives recognize the potential [of] Mr. Kouame, who had an impressive performance in the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) season 82, can bring our national team as they prepare to compete in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, ”said the Representative of the First District of Antipolo City. Roberto Puno, who presented the bill in January 2020.
Puno is also vice president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“He just turned 23 before the end of the year, but no one can doubt the immense talent of Mr. Kouame, as shown in the recent 16-0 sweep of the Blue Eagles Athenaeum in the recent UAAP season. I am hopeful that he will bring the same level of intensity as a member of Gilas Pilipinas. We just need to give him better opportunities to defend the Philippines internationally, ”said Puno.
In 2018, Kouame won the UAAP Rookie of the Year Plum award, the first foreign student-athlete to win the award.
“Gilas Pilipinas needs a new generation of players, and I am hopeful that we can include Mr. Kouame on his list. But of course we need more like him to ensure not only an exciting start but more importantly a solid finish to the next FIBA World Cup, ”said Puno. QUEEN C. TOLENTINO
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