Despite a forgettable stint in the William Jones Cup, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao wants to see one of his imports, Ange Kouame, to play in the Philippine Basketball Association.

In the latest episode of Down To The Wire podcast, the outspoken mentor stressed that Kouame should be given an opportunity to see action in the country's top professional league.

After powering Ateneo de Manila University to three titles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, the 6-foot-10 Kouame decided to stay in the country and play as a naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas in major international tournaments.

The PBA, however, still considers him as a foreign player, making him ineligible to see action in the Philippine Cup.

His only chance is if he suits up as an import, but the league only allows foreigners who are not taller than 6-foot-9 to compete in the Commissioner's Cup.

"There's a limitation because Ange is nearly seven-feet tall," Guiao said during the weekly sports show of DAILY TRIBUNE on Tuesday night.

"There's no conference for imports with unlimited height. Our tallest (import) should only be 6-foot-9."

"Even if we want to bring him in as an import, it's not possible because of our present rule."

Guiao, a former commissioner of the defunct Philippine Basketball League, said the only way for Kouame to play in the PBA is through handicapping rule.

"A good idea, maybe, is to let Kouame play for the three bottom teams. Perhaps the league can implement no restrictions on the height limit for imports of these teams," Guiao suggested.

"It's more like a handicapping."

"I think it would be a good idea. If you're in the last three teams, for you to gain a slight advantage, you don't need to have a height limit for imports, but the rest should follow the 6-foot-9 rule. If you
were to ask me, I'm okay with that."