Ange Kouame had the rare privilege of representing the country during the latest FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.
He and De La Salle University’s Kevin Quiambao were the only collegiate players who made the national team’s final lineups against Jordan and Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
There is no rest for the weary, though, as the 6-foot-11 big man represented his alma mater, Ateneo de Manila University, in its 72-55 victory over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament just a few days after international duty.
“Felt good to be back, you know? It’s been two days now since I’ve been practicing with them. I feel the joy around the family, you know what I’m saying? It’s really good to be back,” said the two-time UAAP champion.
“I really loved the experience. It’s been a hell of a ride to be with the professionals. We had a fun ride. It’s a really good vibe to be with them. Good chemistry also. I really appreciate the time spent there.”
While playing for the men’s Gilas Pilipinas team, Kouame spent time with professional players like Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and Poy Erram.
It is not every day a college player can rub shoulders with the country’s biggest stars and the 24-year-old big man made sure to make the most out of the rare opportunity afforded to him.
“They really know what they’re doing. Especially in the practice, coaches make sure we really emphasize the things that we have to do during the game. They really help us especially to prepare us against those teams,” said the Multiple Intelligence International School alumnus.
“They’re professionals. They know what they’re doing. It was a learning experience for us too, me and (Kevin) Quiambao to learn from the older guys. Like I said, all good vibes and good chemistry.”
In the two games, Kouame averaged 3.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 12 minutes of action. Those numbers may not seem much but they’re a demonstration of his acceptance of his role.
The naturalized Filipino is just following the example given by the pros, who are accepting of the roles they are tasked to fulfill whenever as per their coaches’ orders.
“Do the job, you know? You know you have a specific role especially when people recruit you to be part of the national team. It’s not about one player,” said Kouame. “It’s about the whole team, the ball movement, making sure the guy next to you is open for a shot, getting the ball in the post, looking for the next option also, setting good screens, everything.
“It was kind of something that we used to get in the collegiate level but we also try to apply in the next level too.”
Kouame credits the influence of his mentor Tab Baldwin, who continues to help him adapt to different situations as a basketball player. He emphasized that the former New Zealand national team coach is always approachable whenever there is something that bugs him.
As for the pro players, one, in particular, gave him a good impression. It should come as no surprise that the person in question also represented Ateneo a few years back.
“All of them, to be honest. All of them, especially kuya Japeth Aguilar. Really great guy. Humble guy. I really appreciate being part of this window and seeing the guys,” he said.
Gilas will return to action in February 2023 when the country hosts Jordan and Lebanon in the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
It is too early to tell if Kouame will be part of that lineup. If he is called up, though, he is ready to do his best once again.
“I really want to be part of it. Whenever the national team calls me up, I will always represent the country,” he concluded.
