By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Ange Kouame is relishing the chance to play for Rain or Shine and under the tutelage of a PBA champion coach Yeng Guiao for the upcoming 42nd William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan.
The former Ateneo star said he’s excited to once again represent the country although in a different capacity as reinforcement for the Elasto Painters.
Making the stint even more thrilling for the 6-foot-10 center was the opportunity to learn and be handled by Guiao.
“I’m so excited about it because he has a different system also and try to figure it out myself as it goes so it is a good opportunity for me to get in there,” said Kouame who already gone through the hands of some of the country’s finest coaches in the likes of Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin and Gilas head coach Chot Reyes.
Guiao has already stressed the importance of the addition of Kouame, giving Rain or Shine more ceiling especially against taller squads from Iran, USA, Qatar, UAE, Japan, South Korea and the hosts Chinese Taipei.
“It’s a good opportunity for me. I know the roster of the locals is gonna be tight. I’m just here to get better and learn the game more,” he added.
Kouame, who already joined the Elasto Painters practice last Tuesday, July 25, also expressed his excitement getting reunited with former teammates Gian Mamuyac and Anton Asistio who he played with in the Jones Cup back in 2018 with Ateneo.
“I’m really excited I missed those guys. I’m just happy to be back with them and share the floor with them,” he added.
