Another big step for Kouame

MANILA, Philippines — Angelo Kouame moved a breath away from being able to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas as the Senate gave its nod on the measure granting him Philippine citizenship.

Kouame, being eyed to beef up Gilas in two major international tournaments in June, got a big boost yesterday with the senators voting 23-0-0 to pass House Bill 8632 under Committee Report 189 on third and final reading.

According to Sen. Sonny Angara, author of the counterpart Senate Bill 1892, once signed by President Duterte, Kouame will officially become a naturalized Filipino and member of Gilas Pilipinas. He will provide “much needed support” in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and FIBA Olympic Qualification Tournament in June.

“Kouame is primed to make a significant contribution to Philippine basketball. He is ready to play for the national team. He is more than willing to represent our country,” said Angara, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman.

The 23-year-old Kouame is groomed to take over the spot of former naturalized players Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche.