Gilas Pilipinas is just days away from going to battle in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. First on the list will be long-time Asian rival South Korea and newly naturalized player Angelo Kouame is quite aware of the intense battle ahead.
“I heard a lot of stories,” said Kouame
“They actually told me that they (South Korea) were here when the Philippines won, and it was really a great thing for the people, especially for the organization. I try to get myself into it too.”
This has been a culminating journey for Kouame as he will suit up for Gilas Pilipinas for the first time after the long wait. It will also be his first game since the lockdown in the country happened and he is hyped up to get to work.
“It feels good. I have been waiting for so long and now it is happening. I am really excited– pretty hyped too,” he said. “I see games coming and I couldn’t play (because of) naturalization process and everything, and now it’s possible. So yeah, I’m pretty excited to go.
Kouame and Gilas Pilipinas will play South Korea first this June 16. Indonesia follows on the 18th and the team closes out the window with South Korea again on June 20.
