NIKOLE JAVIER

Ange Kouame hasn’t turned his back on Gilas and is just awaiting a tap or a call for the national team duties ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup in August. 

The 6-foot-10 big man has been fielded as Gilas’ naturalized player starting in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers followed by the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, with the fifth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers being the last time. 

“I understand that things change and situations happen but I have to stick to the job because this is what I stand for and play for. It is what it is. I’m just gonna go with the flow. I’m just gonna keep working everyday,” Kouame said. 

With the decision out of his hands, Kouame remains available for the role that PBA champion Justine Brownlee and NBA star Jordan Clarkson are being considered for as the Philippines prepare for their group stage campaign against familiar foes in the World Cup. 

Gilas, though, aren’t really cutting any losses on either Brownlee and Clarkson as both players have taken turns for the role in remarkable fashion since last year. 

“I think both of them can suit pretty well with the national team, especially in scoring points and everything. I think both of them. They can do a good job, whether you think it’s Justin Brownlee or Jordan Clarkson,” Kouame added. 

Still, Kouame is confident that he’s made a strong case for him for the job in the past. 

“Yeah, for sure. [I’ll be there if Gilas calls] a hundred percent, cause at the end of the day, I’m still Filipino. If the call is there, I’ll take it,” he said.