UNLESS a last-minute rule change happens, the passport-only rule remains in effect in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said it hasn’t yet to be notified by the host country about any changes to the basketball competition rules, meaning the same eligibility rules adopted during the Hangzhou Asiad in 2023 remains in effect.
“Kaya nga nakapaglaro si Ange (Kouame) nun,” said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.
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With Kouame playing side-by-side with Justin Brownlee, the Philippines ended a 61-year Asian Games drought in China when it bagged the men’s basketball gold medal by beating Jordan and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the finals, 70-60.
On the way to the gold, Gilas stunned the host country by storming back from a 20-point second-half deficit to pull off a 77-76 win in the semifinals.
Both Brownlee and Kouame are recognized as naturalized players in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments and aren’t allowed to play together.
But with the Asiad applying a lenient eligibility via the passport-only rule, the Philippines was able to include Brownlee and Kouame in its final roster.
That being said, Brownlee could play together again with Kouame or Bennie Boatwright if his naturalization papers will be officially signed prior to the Nagoya Asiad in late September.
Not to mention yet the likelihood of Mike Philips and Quentin Millora-Brown also suiting up for the national team in Japan as both have already been recognized as locals by FIBA.
“Yes, both can play in the Asian Games,” added Dy.
Still the SBP remains guarded about any changes in the eligibility rule that can be made at the eleventh hour.
“As of now there’s no official advice about the change in rules. Ang alam namin passport-only rule ang allowed pa rin,” said Dy.
The country went through anxious moments on players’ eligibility rules at the last Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok.
Initially, the SEA Games Organizing Committee declared that it was applying the passport-only rule, but decided to amend and adopt a stricter rule on eligibility just days before the tournament. Thai organizers even barred naturalized players from suiting up for their respective countries.
Nonetheless, Gilas Pilipinas retained the basketball gold when it beat Thailand in the finals, 70-64.
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