Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized center Angelo Kouame. –FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Ange Kouame is expected to be out for a while for Gilas Pilipinas after sustaining a meniscal sprain and a partial ACL tear, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced Wednesday.
The naturalized center will miss Gilas’ exhibition games in South Korea and is also likely to remain sidelined for the third window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Fiba Asia Cup.
“Gilas Pilipinas Men starting center Ange Kouame has been diagnosed with a meniscal sprain and a partial ACL tear,” the SBP said on its website.
“Due to this unfortunate development, the 6-foot-10 player will not be able to join Gilas in the friendlies against Korea and is doubtful for the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 – Asian Qualifiers and the FIBA Asia Cup 2022.”
The SBP is already trying to find a replacement for Kouame for the June 30 clash with New Zealand.
Guard Dave Ildefonso also won’t travel with Gilas to South Korea due to ankle injury.