Unselfish play key for Gilas in Asian Games, says Kouame

Ange Kouame.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—For Ange Kouame, ball movement will be one of Gilas Pilipinas’ main weapons in the Asian Games.

Kouame, who finished with six points, two assists and two blocks in 15 minutes, said that Gilas’ system under interim coach Tim Cone relies heavily on playing unselfish basketball.

“It was great. The system is about ball movement, everybody loves it and we try to enjoy it,” said Kouame after Gilas’ 86-81 victory over the Changwon LG Sakers in a tuneup game at Philsports Arena on Friday.

Gilas Pilipinas huddles after beating Changwon in a tuneup game at PhilSports Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I am comfortable with that. Like I said, the system is more on ball movement. Feels like everybody got a touch and feel of the ball and everybody’s happy so I really enjoy playing with them.”

Gilas tallied 24 team assists that resulted in a blistering 55 percent shooting clip from the field.

“That’s the mindset we try to apply. We try to focus on the necessity and despite the lack of open people, as much as we can, we try to find them and that’s the key of the game,” explained Kouame.

Justin Brownlee led all scorers with 19 points that went with five rebounds and three assists while June Mar Fajardo added 16 points. Calvin Oftana also hit double figures with 13.