Basketball players Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means will finally suit up for Gilas Pilipinas after their naturalization bid became a law last Monday.
Republic Act 12318 and Republic Act 12319, which officially made Diouf and Means Filipino citizens, granted them all the rights and responsibilities that are stated in the Constitution and laws in the Philippines.
The 27-year-old Diouf, who is being recruited to join the Gilas 3x3 squad, is originally from Senegal and he helped steer the University of the Philippines to a University Athletic Association of the Philippines title in 2022, ending the school’s 36-year title drought and bagging the Most Valuable Player award in 2023.
As for Means, she is being recruited by the Gilas Women as they prepare for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Poland in June.
The six-foot Means also has ties to the Philippines as her great-grandfather reportedly served as a missionary doctor while her grandfather was born in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
She will join the likes of Afril Bernardino and Kacey dela Rosa in the World Cup as they attempt to make an impact.
