The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has taken another major step toward strengthening its 3×3 national basketball program after Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means officially received their Philippine passports on Wednesday.
The federation marked the milestone by sharing photos of both players taking their oath of allegiance to the Philippines at the House of Representatives before completing passport processing at the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs.
Their passports formally complete the final stage of a journey that began when they became Filipino citizens on May 18. Diouf and Means were granted Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 12318 and Republic Act 12319, respectively, after the measures lapsed into law without the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Celebrating the occasion, the SBP welcomed its newest Filipino athletes.
“Filipinos, finally! Maodo Malick Diouf and Beth [Means] have secured their Philippine passports and are now officially Filipino citizens.”
The federation also acknowledged the Office of the President and members of Congress for supporting the naturalization process that made the development possible.
With their Philippine passports now secured, both players are officially eligible to represent the country in international 3×3 competitions under Gilas Pilipinas, adding valuable depth to the national pool ahead of future tournaments.
“This is an important step in the right direction for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3,” SBP stated.
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For Means, the milestone brings an opportunity she has long anticipated. Having competed in several local tournaments, including the inaugural Cebu Hustle 3×3, she is eager to finally wear the Philippine colors on the international stage.
“Oh my gosh, it has been a process, and I’m so excited.”
Means played collegiate basketball for Westminster University in NCAA Division II and traces her Filipino roots to Naga City in Camarines Sur.
Diouf, meanwhile, already has an established basketball résumé in the Philippines. During his stint with the University of the Philippines in the UAAP, he emerged as one of the league’s most dominant players, capturing both the UAAP Finals MVP award and the season’s Most Valuable Player honors in 2022.
While celebrating the completion of Diouf’s and Means’ citizenship process, the SBP has already turned its attention to another key target.
The federation remains hopeful that Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization will be finalized before the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
Boatwright’s naturalization bill was approved on third and final reading on June 17 and, like those of Diouf and Means, could become law without the President’s signature after 30 days from receipt.
Should Boatwright complete the process in time and secure his Philippine passport, the SBP could enter the continental competition with another significant reinforcement as it continues to build a more competitive Gilas Pilipinas program.
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