Naturalized big man Angelo Koaume suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas vs South Korea on June 16. SBP/FIBA Photo
MANILA, Philippines — Angelo Kouame is leaving no stone unturned in his first foray with Gilas Pilipinas.
More than providing the numbers expected from him, Kouame aims to make a good account of himself the Gilas way.
“Just give it all. Especially when I see the games coming, and now, it’s possible,” the naturalized center said. “I’m pretty excited and I’m just gonna give it my all, especially when I see the posts on social media, “Puso” (heart) is part of the country. I really want to be a part of it.”
The 23-year-old Kouame will make his debut for Gilas against South Korea on Wednesday in the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers in Clark.
On facing the Philippines’ longtime rival, Kouame made sure he was able to learn a bit of basketball history.
“I heard the losses [to South Korea]. They actually told me it was here when the Philippines last won. It was really a great thing for the people and especially the organization. Yeah, I try to get myself into it, too. So Yeah, let’s run it, let’s go,” said Kouame, referring to the 2013 Fiba Asia Championship in Manila.
The Philippines, however, hasn’t beaten South Korea since then. After Wednesday, Gilas plays South Korea again on Friday.