Big man Angelo Kouame won’t be playing for the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team in the coming second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers this Friday.
But Gilas coach Tim Cone still included him the roster anyway, saying that the presence of 6’11” naturalized play from Cote d’Ivoire is important to the development of the squad in the future.
The 60-year-old Cone talked about his plans for Kouame, just as the New Zealand side revealed an experienced lineup, days ahead of their showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 26-year-old Kuoame will be big help to 6’10” Junemar Fajardo during practice in preparing him on his one-on-one plays against players as tall or taller than him.
“He can throw a body at Junemar and get him ready for bigger players. And that’s an important role,” said Cone.
For now, Kouame is reserved as Justin Brownlee’s backup, in case the latter is not available in Gilas’ scheduled games with New Zealand and Hong Kong.
Cone added that they’re waiting for the naturalization process of Benny Boatwright to run its course. Kouame will also fill in Boatwright’s absence.
Meanwhile, Tall Blacks’ coach Judd Flavell unveiled a 13-man roster, which will play against Gilas in the Philippines on November 21, and at home in Christchurch against Chinese Taipei on Monday (November 25).
Veteran guard Corey Webster, who has played close to 100 games for the Tall Blacks, is back and expected to have a match-up with Gilas guard Scottie Thompson.
Experienced club-based cager Izayah Le’afa (Sydney Kings) is around with four other veterans like Tom Vodanovich (Southeast Melbourne Phoenix), Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets), Sam Mennenga (BNZ Breakers) and Flynn Cameron (Melbourne United).
The six last saw action for the Tall Blacks in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Greece.
Flavell has added Taylor Britt (Canterbury Rams), Hyrum Harris (Perth Wildcats) and Walter Brown (Tasmania Jackjumpers), three cagers who have gained maturity when they played at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
