Kouame signs with RoS for Jones Cup, joins training on Tuesday

Ange Kouame can't wait to suit up as import of Rain or Shine for the 2023 edition of the Jones Cup in Taiwan.

"When I got a call from (Gilas Pilipinas team manager) Boss Butch (Antonio), he told me if I can play and I immediately accepted it," said the naturalized player. "Representing the country is close to my heart and I really wanted to go."

His decision to lend a helping hand to the Elasto Painters also gives him the chance to reconnect with two teammates back when was playing for Ateneo: Gian Mamuyac and Antonio Asistio.

"I'm really, really excited. I've heard stories about Coach Yeng and it's a blessing for me to play for him," said the 6-foot-10 Ivorian-Filipino.

Starting Tuesday, Kouame will start training with the Elasto Painters.

"He'll start joining us on Tuesday," Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao told Daily Tribune in a Viber conversation. "We're excited to have him and although we're allowed to bring more than one import, Kouame reinforcing the team will be enough and we will use the tournament to develop our local players more."

Guiao will arrive on Sunday from a family vacation in Bali, Indonesia, but he will immediately go straight to the Elasto Painters' scheduled 5 p.m. match against Blackwater at the Filoil EcoOIl Centre in San Juan to coach his squad.

Guiao was the last guy who expressed surprise over Rain or Shine's decision to take the cudgels for the Jones Cup, stressing that team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que simply refuse to turn their backs when duty calls.

"Our owners/bosses in Rain or Shine, every time there's a call for national duty to represent the country, they're always ready and willing," said Guiao during an interview with CNN. "When we were invited, we didn't hesitate because we love doing it. That's also part of our development to experience playing in an international play and at the same time, represent the country as best as we can," said Guiao, who stepped up to the plate when Rain or Shine campaigned in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

Now that Kouame has committed to play, Guiao feels the squad will have a chance to perform credibly.

"Going there without an import is like a suicide mission, so when we learned he's available we grabbed that opportunity. We're very thankful to SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), to Gilas, to coach Chot (Reyes) for lending him to us. We hope we can represent the country well with Ange."