Kouame stresses he won’t think twice on national team call-ups

Meralco’s Ange Kouame (middle) reacts during the Future Champions Camp in Cebu City Friday.

(East Asia Super League)

CEBU CITY, Philippines – If duty for the flag calls, expect naturalized big man Ange Kouame to answer affirmatively.

May it be for Gilas Pilipinas, or for Philippine-based squads in international competitions, Kouame has been part of teams that are flying the Philippine flag.

And now, he will be manning the middle once again for the Meralco Bolts, who will be taking on the Macau Black Bears in their East Asia Super League (EASL) matchup on Saturday evening.

Kouame already suited up for Meralco’s 85-76 win over the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots last week, where he had three points and four rebounds.

He stepped in for naturalized ace Justin Brownlee, who had pneumonia and will still not be able to play for the Bolts despite already arriving in the Philippines on Friday.

Kouame, in an interview with reporters here, said that he “does not have to think twice” when Meralco reached out to him.

“I was in Ivory Coast before they called me. And you know, Meralco has always been family for me. So when Coach Luigi called me, he was like, Ange, do you think you really want to play for us this year? Because I think we need you. I said, why not?” he said.

“You know, it's kind of representing the country at the same time too. Especially when you play for a local team. So I didn't hesitate, I didn't think twice, I just told them straight, yeah, I really want to be part of it,” he added.

The former Ateneo Blue Eagle has played for Meralco in the past EASL season, as well as the Strong Group Athletics in international stints.

“I don't have to think twice. I really don't have to think twice. Why? Because the Philippines has been my home for how long? Almost 10 years now. And like I said, whenever the national team needs me, I'm always going to represent the country,” he said.

“Matter of fact, they're the one who actually helped me to be able to showcase my talents. So why not give it back to the country? That's where I am.”

And with Brownlee not expected to suit up anytime soon for the Bolts, the center said he does not feel any pressure filling up the gigantic shoes of the Philippine basketball legend.

“There's no pressure. Honestly, I'm not a competition with anybody. Not even Justin. Justin is like a big brother to me. And we all know that whether it's him or me, it's for the same cause. For the country,” he said.

“So I don't have any second thoughts or whatever. I'm just happy for him. As he’s really happy for me too if I keep playing for the country too. At the end of the day, there's no competition. It's just who is the best fit for this spot,” he added.

Speaking of naturalized players, Kouame said he might be playing for Gilas Pilipinas’ 3×3 team in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games.

“Well, as of now, it's not yet a priority. But I know for a fact that I'll be part of the 3×3 team. So like I said, representing the country has always been something great for me. And I can't say no to the country.”

The 1-2 Bolts will take on the EASL-season debuting Black Bears on Saturday, 6:15 p.m., at the Cebu Coliseum here.