Gilas 3×3 gets lift as Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means gain PH passports

Gilas Pilipinas’ 3×3 players Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Means. –SBP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 program received a major boost Wednesday after Malick Diouf and Beth Means secured their Philippine passports.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced the development in a Facebook post, making Diouf and Means eligible to reinforce the national 3×3 teams.

READ: Gilas prospects Malick Diouf, Elizabeth Means gain PH citizenship

“Filipinos, finally! Malick Diouf and Beth have secured their Philippine passports and are now officially Filipino citizens,” wrote the SBP.

“This is an important step in the right direction for Gilas Pilipinas 3×3.”

Diouf made waves in Philippine basketball a few years back when he donned the University of the Philippines jersey.

He was almost tapped as the first UAAP-bred import in the PBA when TNT lost the services of Bol Bol in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Means, meanwhile, suited up for the Pilipinas Aguilas during the Cebu Hustle 3×3 event last month alongside Camille Malagar, Kat Guytingco and Camille Clarin.

The SBP also continues to await developments on the possible naturalization of Bennie Boatwright, who recently reinforced San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.