For Elizabeth Means, every game she plays in the Philippines now feels like a preview of something bigger.
The Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament may be another stop in her basketball journey, but for Means, the event also serves as a reminder that her long-awaited opportunity to officially represent the country is finally within reach.
After years of paperwork and waiting, the Filipino-American forward revealed that her naturalization process is nearing completion, placing her one step closer to wearing the Philippine colors in international competition.
The process took another significant leap forward in March when the Philippine Senate approved on third and final reading the bills granting citizenship to Means and former University of the Philippines standout Malick Diouf. Both are expected to strengthen the country’s growing 3×3 basketball program.
Now, the finish line is in sight.
“Oh my gosh, it has been a process, and I’m so excited,” said Means, whose Filipino roots trace back to Naga City in Camarines Sur.
“We’re almost there. I’m just waiting on my passport, but we’re in the last steps, and I cannot wait to have it, finalize it.”
That anticipation has added extra meaning to every appearance she makes on local courts.
This weekend, Means is competing in the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament alongside Camille Clarin, Camille Malagar, and Trina Guytingco under the Pilipinas Aguilas banner. The team opened its campaign strongly, sweeping its two pool-stage games to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
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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
While her future with Gilas Pilipinas remains the bigger picture, Means has stayed focused on the task at hand.
The former Westminster University standout believes her team is finding its rhythm at the right time as the tournament enters its most important stage.
“I think 3×3 tournaments are all about growing and getting better every game, and kinda warming up throughout the tournament, and I think we did that in each game,” said Means.
“We’re excited to play some more competitive games tomorrow.”
Beyond Cebu Hustle, Means is already looking ahead to what her Philippine passport could unlock.
Potential opportunities in the FIBA Women’s Series, the Asian Games, and other international competitions are now becoming increasingly realistic. For a player who has long hoped to compete for the country connected to her family roots, that possibility is becoming more tangible with each passing day.
Before she can officially step onto the international stage as a Filipina athlete, however, there is still business to take care of in Cebu.
And for Means, every game remains another chance to prepare for the moment she has been waiting for all along.
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