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The House Justice Committee approved Wednesday a measure seeking the naturalization of the Ivorian center of the Blue Eagles Athenaeum, Angelo Kouame, initiating a process that, hopefully, will allow the talented big man to prepare for Gilas Pilipinas in the window February 2021 FIBA Asia Cup. Qualifiers.
Kouame was included in the group of Gilas that recently swept Thailand in the November window of the playoffs held in Manama, Bahrain, but did not join the team on the trip.
The Deputy Deputy of the First District of the City of Antipolo, Roberto “Robbie” V. Puno, sponsor of the bill, welcomed the approval of the measure, which still must go through a second and third reading before being elevated to the Senate. Once it passes the Senate, the bill will become law after 30 days, although President Duterte can sign it before the 30 days are up to speed up the process. At this point, a presidential veto will be the only way to prevent Kouame from naturalizing.
“I am grateful that my colleagues in the House of Representatives recognize the potential that Mr. Kouame, who had an amazing performance in UAAP’s 82nd Season, can bring to our national team as they prepare to compete in the FIBA World Cup. 2023, ”said Puno, who is the vice president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
“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. 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, “he added.
Kakou Ange Franck Williams Kouame, better known as Ange Kouame, was the first foreign student-athlete to win Rookie of the Year in 2018, when he scored averages of 12.5 points, 14 rebounds and 5.5 blocks.
For Puno, a group of naturalized players will improve the chances of the national team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. FIBA Internal Regulations allow only one naturalized player to wear the suit per national basketball team, but there is no limit to the number of players that a country can naturalize.
“Gilas Pilipinas needs a new generation of players, and I am hopeful that we can include Mr. Kouame on his roster. But of course we need more like him to ensure not only an exciting start, but more importantly a good start final in the next FIBA World Cup, “he said.
After the 2019 FIBA World Cup, the SBP announced that they were “moving on” with naturalized player Andray Blatche. In August 2018, party list representative Mikee Romero introduced a bill seeking naturalization for Barangay Geneva importer Justin Brownlee, but has yet to gain traction.
