FILE – Ateneo’s Angelo Kouame. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Ateneo standout Ange Kouame’s recovery from injury may be going well, but the star center’s appearance in the World University Basketball Series (WUBS) is still uncertain.
Kouame, also Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized center, suffered a meniscal sprain and a partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear two months ago, making him miss several games for the national team.
“For now it’s [WUBS appearance] still a question mark… It depends how my knee will respond in the next days but we’ll figure it out,” the 6’11 big said in the Blue Eagles’ press conference held at Dragon’s Nest in Quezon City on Thursday.
However, the UAAP Season 84 Most Valuable Player said he is still constantly trying to improve despite the injury.
“I’ve been working more on defense and of course, the things we’ve been working on we’ll try to improve,” Koaume said.
Dave Ildefonso, another Gilas cadet bit by the injury bug not too long ago, meanwhile, has been medically cleared to play in the WUBS next week.
“Everything is good already, my PT’s and doctors saw it so whatever was bothering me is gone now,” Ildefonso said.
Ateneo will compete against four of Asia’s top universities in WUBS from August 9 to 11 in Tokyo, Japan.