CEBU CITY - Ange Kouame will be representing Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, but apparently, it's on 3x3.
Kouame said to his knowledge, he is entered as part of Gilas' 3x3 team to the SEA Games, adding his place in the 5-on-5 is still up in the air.
"As of now, there's not yet clarity. But I know for a fact that we (are) part of the 3x3," said Kouame about Gilas' campaign in the Thailand Games.
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Regardless if its in the 3x3, 5-on-5, or both, however, Kouame said he is ready to represent the Philippines when called upon.
"Like I said, representing the country has always been great for me. I can't say no to the country," said Kouame, who is a naturalized player who traces his roots to Ivory Coast.
Kouame is part of the initial roster of players that committed to play for coach Norman Black in the team tasked to defend the SEA Games gold medal.
Initially though, there was confusion on the eligibility rules of the SEA Games amid reports that FIBA rules will be applied, meaning only one naturalized player is allowed per team.
Recently, however, it was finalized that passport will only be the basis for inclusion in the team, opening the door for Kouame to win a second SEA Games gold medal in the five-a-side game if tapped.
Now that the passport rule is applied, Kouame is eligible to play alongside fellow naturalized player Justin Brownlee.
For now, Kouame’s focus is on Meralco in the EASL where he is also getting national team feels with the Bolts representing the Philippines in the regional league.
Koaume took the naturalized player slot of Brownlee.
Even though he is only entering his second game of the season against the Macau Black Bears on Saturday, Koaume fells at home since he considers Meralco as a family.
“I was in Ivory Coast when they called me. And Meralco has always been family to me. When Coach Luigi [Trillo] called me and said, ‘Ange, do you want to play for us? I think we need you,’ I said why not.
"It’s kinda representing the country at the same time too especially if you play for a local team,” said the former Ateneo player.
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