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Tag: Elizabeth Means

  • Gilas Women stumble in Jinan as Elizabeth Means battles through injury against French sides  

    Gilas Women stumble in Jinan as Elizabeth Means battles through injury against French sides  

    Elizabeth Means showed her toughness, but even her determination could not prevent Gilas Pilipinas Women from running into a difficult finish at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series–Jinan Stop.


    Playing through a painful right shoulder injury, Means tried to keep the Philippines alive after suffering the setback during a collision in the qualifying draw. 


    Her effort highlighted the team’s resilience, but the injury eventually became a major obstacle as Gilas faced two formidable French squads in the group stage on Saturday at Jinan Cunac Mall in China.


    The Philippines found itself in a high-pressure matchup against fellow Filipino side Manila Gilas after both teams secured victories over Vietnam in their respective qualifying games. 


    With elimination on the line, Gilas appeared ready to move forward after building a 15-11 advantage with just 1:24 remaining.


    However, the momentum shifted when Means attempted to navigate through a screen set by Tin Cayabyab. The contact resulted in a shoulder injury, forcing Gilas to finish the contest with their import playing through discomfort.


    Despite the setback, Gilas Women held their ground and completed a 19-14 victory. Mikka Cacho carried the scoring load with six points, while Camille Clarin and Tantoy Ferrer contributed five points each. Means still managed to add four points despite the injury.


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    For Manila Gilas, Ann Pingol and Cayabyab paced the team with five points apiece, while Sam Harada and Kaye Pingol chipped in two points each.


    With Means limited and the Philippines reduced to only three healthy players, the challenge became much tougher against France. The French side took control early and cruised to a 21-8 win behind Marie Milapie’s nine points. Marie Mane and Laetitia Guapo also provided a boost with five points each.


    Gilas Women then faced another must-win situation against France U25 but could not complete the comeback. The Filipinas suffered a 21-14 defeat, with Yohana Ewodo leading the French attack with 11 points and four rebounds. Samantha Peytour added eight points, while Clarin and Cacho combined for 11 points for the Philippines.


    The Jinan campaign ended with lessons for a Gilas squad that continues to gain international experience in the fast-paced 3×3 format. The FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series remains one of the premier global competitions for women’s 3×3 basketball, featuring national teams, clubs, and elite players competing across multiple international stops.


    Despite the setback in China, Gilas Women will have little time to regroup as the team heads to the next stop in Batam, Indonesia, scheduled for July 23 to 24. The Batam leg is part of the expanded 2026 Women’s Series calendar, which includes 25 events across Asia, Europe, and other regions before the season finale in Shanghai.


    For Gilas Women, the upcoming stop offers another opportunity to test their growth against some of the world’s best 3×3 programs and build momentum heading deeper into the international season.


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  • Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means officially receive Philippine passports after naturalization 

    Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means officially receive Philippine passports after naturalization 

    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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  • Elizabeth Means nears Gilas dream as naturalization process enters final stretch

    Elizabeth Means nears Gilas dream as naturalization process enters final stretch

    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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    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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  • Elizabeth Means eager for Gilas Women debut after Filipino citizenship approval 

    Elizabeth Means eager for Gilas Women debut after Filipino citizenship approval 

    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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    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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  • Filipino citizenship bids of Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means pass Senate on final reading

    Filipino citizenship bids of Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means pass Senate on final reading

    Two athletes with promising international potential are now a step closer to wearing the Philippine colors after the Senate of the Philippines approved on third and final reading the bills granting Filipino citizenship to Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means.


    On Monday, lawmakers passed House Bill Nos. 6640 and 6641, legislative measures seeking to grant naturalization to the two basketball players in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s talent pool. 

     

    Once enacted, the two are expected to be considered for the national 3×3 basketball program under Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

     

    The measures were sponsored by Francis Pangilinan, who emphasized the broader impact of the initiative on Philippine basketball. Pangilinan noted that bringing Diouf and Means into the national fold could enhance the competitiveness of the program while serving as inspiration to aspiring Filipino athletes. 

     

    The bills will now be transmitted to the Office of the President of the Philippines for final approval and signing into law.

     

    Diouf first made his mark in Philippine collegiate basketball during his stint with the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP, where he played as a foreign student-athlete. His presence in the paint proved instrumental in helping the Maroons capture the Season 84 championship, showcasing a blend of size, defense, and rebounding that quickly made him a fan favorite.

     

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    Means, meanwhile, built her basketball experience overseas, playing for Westminster University in NCAA Division II. Her athleticism and versatility have drawn attention from Philippine basketball officials who see her as a strong addition to the women’s 3×3 program.

     

    In a statement, the SBP welcomed the Senate’s decision and described the development as “another step forward for PH basketball,” signaling optimism that the country’s player pool will continue to expand through naturalization.

     

    Diouf’s potential inclusion in the national setup is particularly intriguing for the Philippines’ evolving 3×3 program. Known for his physical presence and defensive instincts during his collegiate career, the Senegal-born center developed a reputation in the UAAP as a reliable rim protector and rebounder—qualities that could translate well in the fast-paced, physical nature of international 3×3 competition.

     

    For Means, the path to Philippine basketball could open new opportunities for the women’s program on the global stage. Her background in American collegiate basketball brings a different style and experience that could complement the country’s existing talent pool, especially as the Philippines continues to expand its presence in international 3×3 tournaments.

     

    Aside from Diouf and Means, other athletes are also undergoing the naturalization process, including former PBA import Bennie Boatwright and wrestler Matthew James Ramos.

     

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