Gilas Pilipinas preps hit snag as Angelo Kouame, Dave Ildefonso suffer injuries

The Philippine men's basketball team hit a snag after two of its key players suffered injuries and are now set to miss at least the pair of friendly games against South Korea this week.

In a Twitter statement by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Wednesday, the federation said the 24-year-old Kouame suffered a meniscal sprain and partial ACL tear.

Gilas Pilipinas Men starting center Ange Kouame has been diagnosed with a meniscal sprain and a partial ACL tear. pic.twitter.com/vA7YoZCnP1

— SBP (@officialSBPinc) June 15, 2022

Aside from his impending absence in the exhibition game against the Koreans, the naturalized big man is also doubtful for the third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers as well as the FIBA Asian Cup 2022.

"Due to this unfortunate development, the 6-foot-10 player will not be able to join Gilas in the friendlies against Korea and is doubtful for the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023  - Asian Qualifiers and the FIBA Asia Cup 2022," the tweet read.

"The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is exhausting all options, including looking for a replacement and securing a New Zealand Visa for the game on June 30."

Ildefonso, meanwhile, will also miss the friendlies in Korea due to an ankle injury. SBP, though, didn't divulge whether or not the second-generation baller could also miss future tournaments.

"Dave Ildefonso won't be able to travel with the Gilas to Korea either, as he is nunrsing an ankle injury."

The friendly games against Korea are set on June 17 and 18 with the Korean Basketball Association serving as host.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News