November 12 ------ Angelo Kouame has rejoined the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. The 6-foot-11 Filipino-Ivorian center, who currently plays for Meralco in the EASL, is among the 15 players named by head coach Tim Cone for the second qualifying window, scheduled for November 21 to 25.
Kouame previously contributed to the Gilas Men’s team that won the gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. However, unlike the Asian Games, where both Kouame and Justin Brownlee were allowed to play, only one naturalized player can participate in FIBA-sanctioned events, meaning a choice between the two is required.
The official 15-man pool, set to face New Zealand on November 21 and Hong Kong on November 24 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, effectively consists of 14 players, as Jamie Malonzo is still sidelined with a knee injury. The roster includes PBA players like Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson, San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez, Meralco’s Chris Newsome, TNT’s Calvin Oftana, and La Salle duo Kevin Quiambao and Mason Amos. Overseas-based players such as Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and Carl Tamayo also round out the team. The SBP can change lineups in both games.
Currently, Gilas stands undefeated at 2-0 in Pool B, having defeated Hong Kong 94-64 and Chinese Taipei 106-53 in the opening window last February. The team will begin its bubble training on Friday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Source: tiebreakertimes.com
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