For Elizabeth Means, the journey to wearing a Gilas Pilipinas jersey is no longer a distant dream, it is now only a matter of time.
After the measures concerning her naturalization officially lapsed into law, the 23-year-old forward is finally cleared to represent the Philippines, marking a major turning point in her basketball career and international aspirations.
Now in the final stretch before her anticipated debut with Gilas Pilipinas Women, Means has made her intentions clear: she is fully committed and ready to embrace the national team stage.
“I’m getting super excited to get to play with the Gilas and to represent the Philippines. Philippines really feels like home now and so I’m excited to get to play after practicing for so long and get to help the team be stronger,” Means said.
Originally from the United States and a standout for Westminster University, Means has been training with the national pool since arriving in the country. While she has yet to officially appear on a roster, her presence in practice has already started to shape the team’s dynamics.
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NATURALIZED FILIPINOS
Opisyal nang Filipino citizens ang basketball players na sina Malick Diouf at Elizabeth Jeanette Means.
Kasunod ito ng pag-lapse into law ng Republic Act No. 12318 at 12319, mga batas para sa kanilang naturalization, noong May 18.
Naging bahagi si… pic.twitter.com/8qX4nEGt9u
— News5 (@News5PH) May 21, 2026
Gilas Women head coach Anton Altamirano has seen her steady improvement firsthand, noting how quickly she has adapted to the system and elevated her comfort level within the group.
“I’ve seen her really improve drastically from the time last year na pagdating niya. I saw glimpses [before at] ngayon na lalabas na talaga niya. I think she’s getting more comfortable with the 3×3 game and also she’s getting comfortable with her teammates,” Altamirano said.
Her arrival also gives the national team a valuable boost in size and versatility, especially alongside key local standout Kacey Dela Rosa, strengthening Gilas Women’s frontcourt depth in a way the program has long needed.
But for Means, the growth hasn’t been one-sided. While adjusting to the speed and physicality of Philippine basketball, she says she has also improved significantly by training alongside her new teammates and learning the local style of play.
Although her formal journey with Gilas began only about a year ago, her connection to the Philippines carries a deeper, more personal history. While she does not have Filipino blood, she traces part of her family’s story to the country through her grandfather, whose roots include time spent in Naga City during his early years.
That background has given her a sense of belonging that goes beyond basketball, making her upcoming debut even more meaningful.
In the coming weeks, she is set to continue her buildup through the Cebu Hustle 3×3, where she will suit up for Pilipinas Aguilas alongside other members of the national pool.
Meanwhile, other Gilas Women standouts such as Kacey Dela Rosa, Mikka Cacho, Camille Clarin, and Afril Bernardino are preparing for their campaign in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland from June 1 to 7, keeping the program active on multiple international fronts.
With Gilas Women rarely fielding a naturalized player without Filipino lineage, Means is aware of the expectations—but also motivated to prove that her presence can make a difference.
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