Ateneo’s Kouame has his eyes set on a bigger prize

Ateneo center Ange Kouame is now being tagged as the second coming of La Salle’s Ben Mbala. But the Ateneo stalwart has bigger goals.

Coming off an incredible 33-point, 27-rebound outing against Far Eastern U last Saturday, the 6-foot-10 center from the Ivory Coast aims to continue his fiery form when the Eagles go up against the University of the East Warriors on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Thirdy Ravena returns from suspension for Ateneo, but spotlight will be on Kouame, who was serenaded by MVP chants late in the 82-62 win over FEU.

“My own mind-set is I want to be more than that, I’m trying to make it to the NBA if I can so yeah, I’m really thankful for whatever they give,” said Kouame, referring to the MVP award.

Kouame said he is aware of the Mbala comparisons: “We are different, but he jumps higher than me, he is stronger than me. He really competes as a player and that’s what we try to achieve so we have to be aggressive all the time.”