Diouf, Means boost Gilas after officially becoming Filipino citizens

MANILA, Philippines – Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means cleared the final hurdle in their bid to represent Gilas Pilipinas as naturalized players. 

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Wednesday, July 1, announced that Diouf and Means are now officially Filipino citizens after the two acquired their Philippine passports.

Diouf from Senegal and Means from the United States were granted Filipino citizenships under Republic Acts No. 12318 and 12319, respectively.

They reinforce the national 3×3 basketball teams as the SBP hopes to bolster chances of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, USA.

Diouf is no stranger to the local hoops scene after starring for the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, where he helped lead the Fighting Maroons to a drought-ending championship in Season 84 in 2022.

The 27-year-old Diouf then earned UAAP Most Valuable Player honors in Season 85.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Means played US NCAA Division II basketball for Seattle Pacific University and Westminster University before she turned pro and found her way to the country, suiting up for Pilipinas Aguilas in 3×3 tournaments.

“This is an important step in the right direction for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3,” the SBP said.

While Diouf and Means are expected to focus on 3×3 basketball, they can also be tapped to don the national colors in 5-on-5 hoops.

The SBP also counts on Bennie Boatwright being granted Filipino citizenship in the coming weeks after the Senate approved his naturalization on third reading last June 17.

Boatwright, 29, is seen as a key piece for Gilas Pilipinas’ title defense in the upcoming Asian Games in September in Japan. – Rappler.com