Ange Kouame says he's always ready to answer Gilas call

With everything still uncertain at this point as far as Gilas Pilipinas' composition for the 2023 World Cup this August is concerned, naturalized Filipino big man Ange Kouame made it known that one thing's for sure: he will always answer the call of duty.

The former Ateneo de Manila University said he will suit up for the national team if and whenever Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) invites him in the future.

"Yeah for sure, 100 percent," Kouame said as he was feted as the 2022-2023 Basketball Player of the Year by the Collegiate Press Corps on Monday.

"At the end of the day, I'm still a Filipino so if the call is there, I'll still represent the country."

Kouame had suited up for the nationals thrice in World Cup Asian Qualifiers, averaging 4.3 points and 5.3 rebounds while he also boosted the country during the 2021 FIBA Asian Cup Qualifiers. He, however, was sidelined in the tournament proper due to a meniscal sprain and partial ACL tear.

Injury has also prevented him from playing in the recently-concluded Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, where he was part of the 3x3 pool alongside Almond Vosotros.

Kouame also said he understands Gilas head coach Chot Reyes' decisions to field other naturalized players Jordan Clarkson and Justin Brownlee in the national team's previous outings, saying 'it is what it is'.

"I understand that things change. But I still have to stick to the job, you know, this is what I signed up for and play for," he added.

"It is what it is, so I'm gonna go with the flow and whatever opportunity presents itself, I have to be ready."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News