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Tag: Malick Diouf

  • Naturalized Malick Diouf boosts Strong Group’s bid for William Jones Cup title

    Naturalized Malick Diouf boosts Strong Group’s bid for William Jones Cup title

    Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas’ pursuit of a historic third straight William Jones Cup championship has received a timely boost with the addition of newly naturalized Filipino Malick Diouf.

     

    With Angelo Koume unavailable for this year’s campaign, Strong Group turned to Diouf to reinforce its frontline as the team prepares for the 45th William Jones Cup, scheduled from August 14 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

     

    Diouf’s inclusion comes shortly after officially becoming a Filipino citizen, clearing the way for him to represent the Philippines in international competitions. His arrival adds another accomplished frontcourt player to a roster already loaded with veteran experience and international talent.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout joins a formidable lineup headlined by Serbian center Boban Marjanović, Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro, American Tajuan Agee, Will Navarro, and two-time NCAA Most Valuable Player Allen Liwag.


    Strong Group will also field an experienced backcourt featuring Remy Martin and Titing Manalili, while Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, and Matthew Wright round out the squad looking to keep the team’s dominance alive in Taiwan.

     

    Strong Group president Jacob Lao welcomed Diouf’s addition and acknowledged the support that made the move possible.

     

    “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, especially executive director Erika Dy, for allowing Malick to suit up for Strong Group Athletics in the William Jones Cup,” Lao said.

     

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    For head coach Charles Tiu, Diouf’s value extends well beyond filling an open roster spot.

     

    “Malick gives us even more size, versatility, and athleticism in the frontcourt. He’s a great replacement for Ange, and he raises our ceiling as a team because he can impact the game on both ends of the floor. We’re excited to have him with us,” Tiu said.

     

    Diouf arrives with an impressive résumé from his collegiate career as he played a pivotal role in leading the University of the Philippines to the UAAP Season 84 championship, earning Finals MVP honors as the Fighting Maroons ended a 36-year title drought. 

     

    A season later, he captured the UAAP Season 85 Most Valuable Player award, although UP fell short in its title defense after losing to Ateneo de Manila University in the finals.

     

    Strong Group enters this year’s tournament carrying lofty expectations after winning the last two editions of the William Jones Cup. The team has been drawn into a preliminary-round group with Chinese Taipei Blue, Korea, and Japan as it begins its quest to become the first squad to capture three consecutive William Jones Cup championships.

     

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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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  • 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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  • Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

    Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

    The push to strengthen the Philippines’ national teams shifted to the Senate floor Tuesday as lawmakers began deliberations on bills seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to four foreign athletes.

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights tackled the naturalization measures for basketball players Malick Diouf, Bennie Boatwright, and Elizabeth Means, along with wrestler Matthew James Ramos, in a bid to boost the country’s international campaign.

     

    Among the four, Diouf and Means are closest to the senate’s approval for naturalization.

     

    Senate Bill No. 1596, which covers Diouf, and Senate Bill No. 1594 for Means, both authored by Sen. Pia Cayetano is expected to reach third and final reading at the Senate plenary next week. Their applications have gained steady traction and could soon be transmitted for final approval.

     

    Boatwright and Ramos, however, encountered a temporary setback. Both athletes failed to appear during the first and second readings of their respective bills before the committee chaired by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, potentially pushing further deliberations to April.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) closely monitored the proceedings. Executive director Erika Dy and Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 program director Ryan Gregorio attended the hearing, highlighting the federation’s commitment to reinforcing its national squads.

     

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    Means is projected to provide an immediate boost to the Gilas Women 3×3 team, while Diouf is being developed as part of the Gilas 3×3 pool. 

     

    Boatwright, on the other hand, has long been eyed as a major addition to the Gilas 5×5 squad, where he could join naturalized standouts Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame.

     

    Despite the delay affecting Boatwright and Ramos, sports officials remain optimistic that all four athletes will secure their naturalization within the year.

     

    “As former (first ever) SBP executive director, I support the naturalization process of the SBP. Basketball is the “national passion” of the Pinoys. We must support,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

     

    Senate Committee on Sports chairman Sen. Bong Go also voiced support for the measures, pointing to areas where the national team needs reinforcement.

     

    “During the past two games of Gilas, nakita po natin ang kakulangan ng team. Boatwright can play outside and inside. Although papasok na tayo sa next round, malaking tulong po kung sakaling maipasa natin ito,” Go said.

     

    Having already cleared the second round at the Lower House, the bills for Diouf and Means are now one hearing away from being forwarded to Malacañang for President Bongbong Marcos’ signature.

     

    Still, Gregorio stressed that the legislative process requires personal accountability, explaining that Boatwright and Ramos must appear before senators to undergo scrutiny is a crucial step before citizenship can be granted.

     

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