JM Edoukou has big shoes to fill.
And it’s not just about leading the University of the East to its first Final Four appearance in the UAAP high school boys’ division.
The 18-year-old Ivorian is the cousin of Ateneo legend Angelo Kouame.
Kouame, who played for the Blue Eagles from UAAP Season 81 to 85, led Ateneo to three men’s titles and earned both regular season and Finals MVP honors. Beyond the UAAP, the 6-foot-11 big man is also part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool, helping the Philippines win gold at the 19th Asian Games.
“I’m very proud of him because he’s family,” said Edoukou.
“I enjoy watching him play — he’s like my idol.”
Before Edoukou came to the Philippines and enrolled at UE, Kouame made sure to give his cousin advice that he carries to this day.
“Every time he talks to me about the game, and that I make sure to play without pressure,” Edoukou continued.
“He also tells me to focus on showing what I can do while listening to all of my coaches.”
In his first year at UE, Edoukou is averaging 5.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 assists per game.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Edoukou is not like other foreign student-athletes in the UAAP, as he primarily plays both forward positions. His versatility is what made UE head coach Karl Santos decide to include him in the lineup for UAAP Season 88.
“From day one, I’ve been a fan of what JM can give us. He’s not a pure scorer, and he’s not going to dominate in all departments. But what’s great about him is that he can be flexible. That’s why we chose him. He can play multiple positions and contribute across all areas — that’s what we want,” said Santos.
“Right now, I’m not pressuring him. I just told him that it’s all part of the process. Being a player comes with pressure, and you just have to overcome it. Hopefully, this game will give him confidence and not hold him back from anything.”
Edoukou had his best game of the season on Wednesday, scoring 10 points on perfect 5-of-5 shooting, with five rebounds and two steals, helping UE secure a 94-61 win over UPIS to claim a share of fifth place.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“I’m gaining confidence because my coaches and teammates support me and trust me. They give me a lot of advice during practice and in the game. I feel confident right now, and we stay strong on defense both as a team and individually,” said Edoukou.
“I think this game is the first of a long series of wins.”
Edoukou has high goals not just for UE, but for himself. He hopes to help UE finally end its long Final Four drought in the division. Moreover, he wants to make an impact on Philippine basketball, just like his cousin Kouame.
“I want to play in the UAAP (college), and if it’s God’s will, I also want to play for Gilas — if I get the chance.”
