Baldwin says he won’t be taking advantage of Kouame’s naturalization in Ateneo

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin has been busy with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Gilas Pilipinas program that he set aside the Blue Eagles for a moment.

In an update of Ange Kouame’s Filipino citizenship after getting the approval from the House committee on justice, Baldwin shared that if the Ivorian center does complete his naturalization before the start of the UAAP season, he will not add another Foreign student-athlete to the roster.

“I can tell you as the coach of the team that I would not be looking to add another import player. I won’t be taking advantage of Ange being a ‘local’ just because possibly the rules have not considered that scenario yet,” said Baldwin.

SBP is now a step closer in naturalizing Kouame with their ultimate desire of including him in the future rosters of Gilas Pilipinas.

This is made possible through House Bill No. 5951 authored by Antipolo City 1st District Representative Deputy Speaker Roberto “Robbie” V. Puno which seeks to grant the Ivorian Center Filipino citizenship.

“Once Ange legitimately changes his nationality, it does not really change the perspective on why he was brought to the country which is for the college basketball. I would not be in favor of exploiting that loophole to try and gain a competitive advantage for the team,” added Baldwin.