ANGE Kouame is a surefire commodity wherever he goes that Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin expects offers to line up to the doorstep of the UAAP Season 85 Finals MVP.
Where will Ange Kouame play next?
"We'll have to try and figure out, help him with his future," he said. "He still got some work to do on his offensive game, but he's gonna be a pro, and he's gonna be a pro for another 10, 12 years."
Kouame was on a warpath for the whole championship series, posting 17.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks for Ateneo in the hardfought three-game series against University of the Philippines.
He saved his best for last, uncorking 19 points, 12 boards, and four blocks in the Blue Eagles' 75-68 Game Three conquest last Monday.
It's the kind of performance that really dropped jaws and proved to everyone that Kouame is ready to make the leap to the pros.
As to where that next chapter is is the only thing left unanswered.
"Ange, of course, can't play in the PBA but he's gonna be good enough to play as an import. Maybe in Europe, maybe somebody in Japan will think he's good enough to play an import role over there," said Baldwin.
For now, though, Kouame's main focus is getting himself back in the pink of health as he's set to undergo a knee surgery to repair his partial ACL tear.
When that's done, the 6-foot-11 big man promises to be better than ever wherever he lands, may it be for a club team or for Gilas Pilipinas.
"I like the process, I enjoy the game. I don't see myself staying away from the game. But I have to do it next year," he said. "I'll give props to God. Whatever's gonna happen is gonna happen."
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