Kouame enjoying busy schedule

Ange Kouame admits that there’s simply a lot on his plate nowadays.

Aside from being a member of Meralco’s squad in the East Asia Super League (EASL), Kouame also is committed to play for Strong Group Athletics (SGA) and Gilas Pilipinas.

Kouame, 27, said that after Meralco’s game against the Ryukyu Golden Kings on Wednesday in the EASL, he will join the rest of the Strong Group squad on a flight to Dubai the next day for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship that kicks off Friday in the United Arab Emirates.

The three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion will be one of SGA’s main men inside the paint in the prestigious Dubai tilt along with National Basketball Association (NBA) veterans Malachi Richardson and DeMarcus Cousins.

Even though he will still join Gilas Pilipinas for the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, the former Ateneo de Manila University big man doesn’t mind playing for all three squads.

“Honestly, I ain’t got no break. It’s been like that for three weeks now,” Kouame said.

“It’s been practice every day, no break. At the end of the day, that’s my job. That’s what I do for a living.”

“So yeah, I enjoy the process and I love it.”

Despite having Barangay Ginebra San Miguel veteran Justin Brownlee at the helm for Gilas, Kouame has been doing his part in making sure he remains in peak condition.

In fact, Kouame was one of Gilas’ players during their gold medal run in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in 2023 and played a big part in SGA’s unbeaten campaign in the 43rd William Jones Cup in Taiwan last year.

Ivan Suing

Kouame said he wants to improve his defense after practicing with Cousins as SGA goes up against topnotch teams, including defending champion Al Riyadi of Lebanon.

“It’s mostly in defense. It’s hard to guard him because he can shoot, he can drive, he can finish around the basket,” Kouame said.

“He’s an all-around player. That’s where I try to see my level, especially to try to push myself and try to push him too.”