Gilas Pilipinas suffered a huge blow in its buildup for the third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Ange Kouame has been diagnosed with a meniscal sprain and a partial ACL tear that will make him miss the nationals’ two-game friendly series against Korea on June 17 and 18.
Moreover, the 6-foot-10 big man out of Ateneo is doubtful for the third window where Gilas will face the Tall Blacks on the road (June 30) and India at home on July 3.
If Kouame can’t play in the third window, he will most likely miss the Asia Cup as well which will be from July 12-24 in Jakarta.
Grade 2 ACL injuries usually take three months to recover from.
Pivotal is Kouame to Gilas’ lineup as Kai Sotto and Justine Baltazar have also begged off for the tournament.
The reigning UAAP Men’s Basketball MVP anchored Gilas to a sweep of the Asia Cup Qualifiers last year.
Photo from FIBA.basketball
If Kouame recovers within the timeline, he can still make it to the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament which will begin this October.
