Clearer 3×3 eligibility rule opens door for Ange Kouame as Gilas eyes SEA Games gold

A timely clarification in the eligibility rules for naturalized players in the Southeast Asian Games’ 3×3 basketball event has given Gilas Pilipinas a major boost—and renewed hope for redemption.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy confirmed that Ange Kouame is officially cleared to compete in the three-a-side tournament of the 33rd SEA Games after organizers affirmed the passport-only requirement for 3×3 players. The ruling allows naturalized athletes like Kouame to participate as long as they have held a passport for at least two years.

“Yung 3×3 kasi medyo mas malinaw sabi kasi nila that’s really FIBA rule, and we know the FIBA rules of 3×3 competition is very different from 5-on-5,” Dy explained. “There (3×3) as long as you have your passport for at least two years, whether you’re naturalized or not, and that’s the requirement, then you will be allowed to play.”

The decision finalized a men’s 3×3 roster submitted by program director Ronnie Magsanoc, featuring Kouame alongside Joseph Eriobu, Joseph Sedurifa, and Janrey Pasaol. The move strategically keeps Kouame out of contention for the 5-on-5 squad of coach Norman Black, where naturalized-player restrictions are far stricter.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Whether it be 3×3 or a five-on-five setting, Ange Koume will always answer the country’s call #GilasPilipinas #SEAGames

READ: https://t.co/ZDVxBTzjrP pic.twitter.com/c6ulO6hK25

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) November 14, 2025

But the green light didn’t come without confusion. Just a week earlier, teams were thrown off by a new handbook from the Thailand SEA Games Organizing Committee (SEAGOC), which listed two conflicting eligibility standards—one adhering to the passport-only rule, and another following FIBA’s requirement of having obtained a passport before the age of 16.

If the age-16 rule were applied, both Kouame and Justin Brownlee would be disqualified. A clarification meeting with participating countries is slated for November 26, though Dy’s announcement suggests the 3×3 side has gained much-needed clarity.

For Gilas, the ruling couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. The 6-foot-11 Kouame—an Ateneo standout, UAAP MVP, and former collegiate champion—brings interior stability and experience to a squad aiming to reclaim a lost crown. 

The Philippines settled for silver in Phnom Penh two years ago, falling to host Cambodia. Eriobu and Sedurifa were members of that 2023 group, adding a layer of motivation as they return to the halfcourt battlefield.

The Philippines last stood atop the podium when 3×3 made its SEA Games debut in Manila six years ago, powered by CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Mo Tautuaa, and Jason Perkins. With a clarified rulebook and Kouame backstopping the team, Gilas now hopes Thailand becomes the site of another breakthrough—one that brings the gold medal back to where it first belonged.

 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!