Manila, July 2 -- Malick Diouf and Elizabeth Jeanette Means have officially become Filipino citizens after securing their Philippine passports, boosting the country's basketball 3x3 program.

"Filipinos, finally!" the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said in a social media post Wednesday night, confirming that the two basketball standouts had completed the process of acquiring Philippine citizenship.

The development marks a major boost for the country's 3x3 basketball program, with Diouf being eyed for the Gilas Pilipinas men's 3x3 pool and Means considered a prospect for the Gilas Pilipinas Women's 3x3 team.

"The SBP thanks the Office of the President, the Senate of the Philippines, and the House of Representatives for making thi...