Maodo 'Malick' Diouf and Elizabeth Jeanette Means have acquired their Philippine passports and are now Filipino citizens, clearing the way for them to represent the country in international competition with Gilas Pilipinas 3x3.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced the development Wednesday, calling it a significant step for the national 3x3 program.

“Filipinos, finally! Maodo Malick Diouf and Beth have secured their Philippine passports and are now officially Filipino citizens,” the SBP said in a statement, thanking government officials and lawmakers who supported the process.

Among those acknowledged were the Office of the President, members of the Senate led by Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and several lawmakers from the House of Representatives.

Diouf, a 6-foot-11 center out of Dakar, Senegal, made a name for himself during his time with the University of the Philippines, anchoring the Fighting Maroons’ UAAP Season 84 title campaign and later securing the league’s Most Valuable Player honors in Season 85.

Means, a 6-foot player from Folsom, California, has Filipino lineage through her grandfather, who hails from Naga City in Camarines Sur.

With their change in citizenship, both players become eligible to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments, bolstering the country’s talent pool as it aims to strengthen its standing in the fast-growing format.

The SBP said the development marks “an important step in the right direction” as the program continues to build a competitive roster for upcoming international competitions.