Kouame gets House approval

MANILA, Philippines — The bid to naturalize Gilas Pilipinas prospect Angelo Kouame has hurdled the House of Representatives process.

Voting 210-0-0, the Lower Chamber yesterday approved on third and final reading House Bill 8632 seeking to grant the Ivorian-born slotman Philippine citizenship.

The 6-foot-10 Kouame, who’s being groomed to take the place of former naturalized players Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche, now awaits the Senate side of the naturalization process.

“There’s no doubt that his presence will be an advantage for Gilas Pilipinas not only in the 2023 FIBA World Cup but in similar international competitions in the future,” Deputy Speaker Robbie Puno, principal author of the bill, said of Kouame.

Spanish striker Bienvenido Maranon, a prospective Azkals reinforcement, was also granted Filipino citizenship by the House with the passage of HB 8631.