FILE–Ange Kouame during a tune up for Gilas Pilipinas.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ange Koaume was included in the latest Gilas Pilipinas 15-man pool as a precautionary backup for main man Justin Brownlee, coach Tim Cone said.
Kouame was the most noticeable addition to the roster for the upcoming 2025 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers, but Cone said that Brownlee remains the main option to fill the spot for the naturalized player.
“If something, God forbid, happens to Justin, then we would be able to bring in Ange,” said Cone at a press conference in Mandaluyong on Wednesday.
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“He has a very important role for us but he will most likely not be in the lineup because we expect Justin to play in both games.”
Per Fiba rules, only one naturalized player is allowed per national team.
Brownlee has since served as the Nationals’ naturalized swingman since Jordan Clarkson in the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
Initially, the spot Kouame is holding was saved for former San Miguel Beer import Bennie Boatwright but immigration matters halted the supposed move.
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Despite being just a backup, Koaume remains an integral part of Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation for the two qualifying games here at home.
“He (Kouame) knows the system, he knows what’s asked from him, he’ll be part of the preparations so it’s important to have him be a part of the program as much as possible as that backup,” Cone said as the national team sets up camp at Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
“As we wait for Boatwright to go through the process of his immigration, Ange is very important to us. We need him there so he can be ready to step in immediately if necessary.”
Gilas Pilipinas plays New Zealand on November 21 then Hong Kong on November 24 at Mall of Asia Arena.