Angara: Kouame to beef up Gilas Pilipinas in Tokyo Olympics, other int'l games
Senator Sonny Angara on Tuesday welcomed President Duterte’s signing into law of the bill granting Filipino citizenship to Ange Kouame.
Kouame can now suit up to Gilas Pilipinas and prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.
“We thank President Duterte for signing into law the naturalization bill for Ange Kouame,” Angara said in a statement.
“I, together with the rest of the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) are excited for Kouame to officially join our Gilas Pilipinas as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics qualifiers, the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and other tournaments,” he said.
At 6 feet 10 inches, Kouame will definitely beef up our talented Gilas squad and bring with him the hard work and tenacity that has helped deliver championships to the Ateneo Men’s Basketball team in the UAAP.
Angara is principal author of Senate Bill No. 1892 seeking the naturalization of Kouame. Its counterpart bill in the Lower House was filed by SBP vice chairman Rep. Robbie Puno.
Angara said he believes the Philippines would be able to make it big with the likes of Kouame, Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos committing to the national squad.
“I am very optimistic about our chances in future international basketball tournaments,” he said.