What JB or JC? Gilas Pilipinas still has AK.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is now finding itself right in the thick of a busy 2023. The FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers wrapped up last February, and Gilas Pilipinas is now in training camp for its gold medal redemption tour in the Southeast Asian Games.
The FIBA World Cup, the biggest of all these events, is slated in August.
Ange Kouame, a naturalized Filipino, was part of the World Cup qualifiers in two windows, but sat out the rest. He also was not named to the 15-man pool now in training for the nearing SEA Games. Both developments were evidently prompted by his injuries.
The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles alum announced in December, right after leading his squad to the UAAP Season 85 title, that he would have surgery for his injured knee. It was previously reported that the big man suffered a partial tear in his ACL and a sprain in his meniscus.
Recovery is still ongoing for Kouame, who averaged 4.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.25 blocks in four games at the Asian qualifiers back in 2022.
“Right now I'm 70%. I'm not 100% of myself,” Kouame told One Sports on Saturday after attending the FIBA World Cup draw.
There seems to be a lot of work left for the center who hails from Ivory Coast, but he’s got high hopes, most especially because he still aims to represent the Philippines once again.
“For sure I'll be back soon. Despite all things going on, I'm sure I will become stronger and be able to represent the country,” said Kouame.
With his health status, however, playing in the FIBA World Cup in August remains to be a question mark. The fact that he eyes the 2027 FIBA World Cup as one of his next goals also provides an insight into his current shape.
But no matter where he is in his recovery process, Kouame stays hungry.
“If I have the opportunity to represent the country at [the FIBA World Cup], for sure I will come prepared with a different mindset,” the 6-foot-11 cager said.
“You're playing against the best in the world. [You] try to prove that you belong there,” he added.