Though many were surprised to see Malick Diouf join the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas delegation—alongside Bennie Boatwright and Elizabeth Means—at the House of Representatives last Wednesday to begin their respective naturalization processes, Diouf says it has been a long time coming.
“I think it’s just about continuity. Like they say in French, it’s all about continuity,” said Diouf, who has been in the Philippines for the past six years.
“So, it’s still the same—playing for the University of the Philippines and now transitioning to represent the country.”
Diouf has been tapped by the SBP to serve as the naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas Men’s 3×3 team.
This opportunity arose after the 6-foot-11 big man played for Mandaluyong SBP, alongside Zedjay Etulle, Jeff Manday, and Joseph Sedurifa, during the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Manila Challenger.
He led Mandaluyong SBP to an eighth-place finish, averaging 5.3 points and 7.7 rebounds over three games.
His performance showed that his versatility can translate well into the 3×3 format.
“I talked to the SBP people, and they were inviting me to join the 3×3,” he recalled after UP’s 87-82 loss to La Salle in the UAAP Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday.
Diouf, who was the Season 84 Finals MVP and Season 85 MVP, is also open to playing for Gilas Men if the opportunity arises.
“Yeah, I’m open to everything. Since I’m already a naturalized player, I’m open to all opportunities,” he said.
“But for now, I’m focused on 3×3.”
For Diouf, the chance to represent the Philippines on the international stage is what truly matters.
“It’s a huge honor—truly a very big honor to represent the country. Playing for the University of the Philippines and now having the opportunity to represent the country is a big opportunity and a great honor for me.”
#WATCH: NO BRAINER
UP great Malick Diouf says that obtaining Filipino citizenship has long been his goal, and he considers it an honor to one day play for Gilas 3×3 🇵🇭🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/hfGa68TKEx
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times #LabanPilipinas pic.twitter.com/nty5ejdiRu
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) November 22, 2025
