Has former WSBL player Kuks become the first naturalized player for the Chinese Taipei women's basketball team? The association responds.

2025 Jones CupInternational Basketball Invitation TournamentThe roster for the Chinese Taipei blue team and the Universiade training squad for the women's group in the 2025 Jones Cup was officially announced on the 24th. The highlight is the inclusion of former WSBL player Kuks. Regarding whether she might become the first naturalized candidate for the Chinese Taipei women's basketball team, Zhang Chengzhong, the deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association, provided an explanation.

Former WSBL player Kuks

Kuks, who is 1.93 meters tall and hails from the United States, graduated from the NCAA Division I Eastern University. Last year, she became the first foreign player in the history of the Cathay women's basketball team and the first foreign aid to play in the WSBL after the league opened to foreign players.

On the 24th, Zhang Chengzhong stated at the press conference for the Jones Cup that Kuks had previously played in Taiwan, is familiar with the area, and is willing to play together. It is assessed that she can enhance the strength of the Chinese Taipei women's basketball team, so she has been listed as one of the candidates for naturalization.

However, Kuks represented the United States in the U18 Americas Championship in 2016, which may affect the naturalization process. In this regard, Zhang Chengzhong mentioned that the issue is still being communicated with FIBA, and the association has invited her to participate in the Jones Cup to blend with the Taiwanese players, adopting a "dual-track model."

The Chinese Taipei blue team is led by overseas talents Peng Shiqing and Lin Yuting. They will also use the Jones Cup to prepare for the B-level Asian Cup event scheduled for July 13, aiming for the championship and a return to the A-level competition. The Universiade training team consists of You Qinhua, Song Ruizhen, and others, with the addition of mixed-race player Hong Peiwen, using the Jones Cup as preparation for the World University Games in Germany in July.