Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2023 FIBA World Cup

Puno says Kouame’s process will kickstart pool of naturalized players


With Angelo Kouame just one step away from becoming a naturalized Filipino, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas vice chairman and Deputy Speaker of the House Rep. Robbie Puno shared that this is just step one in building an army.

An army of naturalized Filipinos which Gilas Pilipinas can call up for the 2023 FIBA World Cup and beyond.

“Gilas Pilipinas is in need of a new breed of players, and I am hopeful that we will be able to include Mr. Kouame to their roster,” said Puno after the passing of House Bill No. 5951.

“But of course, we need more like him to ensure not only an exciting start, but more importantly, a strong finish in the next FIBA World Cup.”

On deck are, of course, the possible naturalization of 6-foot-5 swingman Justin Brownlee and 6-foot-9 big man Chris McCullough.

Since arriving in the Philippines last 2016, the 32-year-old native of Tifton, Georgia has been enamored with the possibility of playing for Gilas Pilipinas.

He is a four-time PBA champion and the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup’s Best Import.

Brownlee will particularly be important if Gilas want to plug June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Kai Sotto, and/or AJ Edu into an international competition.

On the other hand, McCullough also has upside since he is just 25 years old.

He led San Miguel to the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship. He has yet to return to the country since the.

Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche are also naturalized Filipinos who once suited up for Gilas.

#ReadMore  Jeff Chan hits 5K as Ginebra sets up semis showdown with Magnolia
Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Kevin Quiambao had a spectacular rookie campaign in the Korean Basketball League, showcasing his versatility and poise on the professional stage. While he wasn’t...

Basketball

Gilas will meet old foes as groupings for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 have been determined following the draw held Tuesday in Jeddah, Saudi...

Basketball

Justin Brownlee is once again facing scrutiny after receiving a notice of an adverse analytical finding, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed in a...

Basketball

TNT had to pay dearly for taking a gamble in a critical moment in Game 7 of the PBA Season Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but...

Basketball

It needed one more game and five extra minutes to settle, yet the result remained the same — TNT kept its mastery of Ginebra...

Basketball

Poy Erram was redemption personified after towing TNT past Barangay Ginebra in a thriller, 87-83, to force the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals...

Basketball

Justin Brownlee would clearly prefer to play without any restrictions, but he’s starting to get the hang of playing with his right thumb all...

Basketball

Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson conspired in crunch time as Ginebra turned back TNT, 73-66, to move one win away from clinching the PBA...

Advertisement