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Ange Kouame will play for Meralco the night before he joins SGA in Dubai. Nicole Hernandez/SGA (file photo) |
MANILA--It has been a busy January for Ange Kouame.
Right after all the fireworks to welcome the New Year had been exhausted, the 6-foot-11 center quickly went back to grinding, primarily with Meralco.
And then Strong Group Athletics called him up for its Dubai International Basketball Championship, which meant more practice sessions to participate.
However, even if he has to balance his acts with SGA and Meralco, there are no complaints from the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player.
"I ain't got no break. It's been like three weeks now just being in practice every day. No break for me, but at the end of the day, that's my job. That's what I do for a living, so I enjoy the process," Kouame said.
In fact, he will still play for the Bolts in the EASL the night before he flies for Dubai, a timely boost for the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champions in a crucial game.
Of course, I will play with Meralco," Kouame further said.
Meralco will take on Ryukyu in a Wednesday night clash at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig with a lot of playoff implications at stake.
Currently 2-2 in Group B action, the Bolts must beat the Golden Kings to gain significant momentum when they take on the New Taipei Kings on Feb. 12 in the game that would decide which team will join Ryukyu in the Final Four in Macau.
New Taipei gained a major boost in their EASL semis bid after romping Busan, 104-87, on Tuesday night at the Sajik Arena, although superstar point guard Jeremy Lin injured his hamstring early on which could put his availability for the knockout game against Meralco in question.
The crucial game between the Bolts and Golden Kings allows Kouame to show how tough he has become during his practices with former NBA superstar DeMarcus Cousins, who will be his teammate with SGA for the DIBC.
"It's most likely on defense. He's hard to guard because he can shoot and drive and finish around the basket. He's an all-around player. I try to push myself," Kouame said, also confirming what SGA head coach Charles Tiu said that at times, their one-on-one game had become a bit too intense.
Kouame will be tasked to keep a check on Ryukyu big men Jack Cooley and Alex Kirk.
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