After careful thought, Angelo Kouame has made a huge life-changing decision.
He has decided to undergo the naturalization process to become a Filipino citizen.
“I decided. I think I’ll go with the Philippines.”
Early last month, Antipolo representative Robbie Puno filed a motion to naturalize Ivorian Kouame and American Justin Brownlee in hopes of adding them to the Gilas pool.
And during his five-year stay in the Philippines, Kouame has grown by leaps and bounds, even catching the eye of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
After a stellar first-year campaign in Ateneo that saw him win the Rookie of the Year plum, the 20-year-old, 6-foot-10 big man followed it up with norms of 12.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 1.4 assists per game. His performances helped lead the Blue Eagles to their third straight UAAP Men’s Basketball championship.
“It’s also a blessing for me. I realize where I am in the UAAP and where I will be as a naturalized player for the Philippines,” expressed Kouame.
“It’s really an honor for me.”
However, this means that Kouame will no longer be able to play for the Ivory Coast once he suits up for the Philippines.
But Kouame was able to get his mom’s blessing with this decision, since she knows that it will be better for him to stay in his second home in the long run.
“I talked to my mom about that. I think my family will be disappointed because they have plans for me.
“But if I go with Gilas. they have more goals in the future. They project to be in the higher level of competition like FIBA Worlds and I want to be part of it,” he shared.
Still, Kouame feels excited by the possibility of reuniting with his Ateneo brothers Thirdy Ravena, Matt and Mike Nieto, and Isaac Go one day.
“I’m super excited. After the Finals, we were talking about that, that we’ll be missing each other, with Isaac, Thirdy, the Nieto brothers. It really motivates me to be part of this pool, to practice with them again,” he gushed.
“It’s gonna be memorable and enjoyable for me.”
