Having last suited up for the Meralco Bolts during the East Asia Super League, big man Ange Kouame is once again set to represent the country — this time with repeat-seeking Strong Group Athletics at the 2025 Jones Cup.
Ange Kouame is determined to rebuild his confidence on the court — and his stint with Strong Group Athletics might be the perfect opportunity to do just that.
“I think building my confidence is the key because it’s been a long time since I’ve been away from the game. So it’s most likely to build my confidence back, and I’ll be back,” the former Ateneo Blue Eagle bared.
After a long layoff, Kouame, who attended the unveiling of Gilas Pilipinas' new team uniforms on Thursday, July 10, looked to regain his form as part of Strong Group in their title-retention bid for the upcoming 2025 William Jones Cup.
Alongside him, Strong Group is bringing back most of their championship core from last year’s successful run that include Kiefer Ravena, Jason Brickman, Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso, Geo Chiu, and reigning NCAA MVP Allen Liwag.
[ALSO READ: Kiefer Ravena focuses on blessings amid personal setbacks ahead of latest Jones Cup stint]
Former NBA player Andre Roberson is also returning to reinforce the squad, with new additions such as Javi Gomez de Liaño and import Ian Miller joining the fold.
[ALSO READ: Javi Gomez de Liaño hopes for success with Strong Group in Jones Cup after Anyang exit]
Kouame also welcomed the idea of seeing Abando in a Gilas uniform once again, as the high-flying player was included in the extended Gilas Pilipinas pool alongside Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero.
[ALSO READ: Abando, Abarrientos, Rosario, and Lucero added to Gilas pool for FIBA Asia Cup]
“I’m happy that the national team actually gives them a chance to showcase their talent. It’s a pool, and anything can happen. I hope they’re ready and can be part of the lineup,” the Gilas naturalized big man shared.
Despite limited practice time, Kouame believes Strong Group will get their act together.
“We're still trying to adjust with one another, but I think we’ll be fine,” he said.
Strong Group will open their Jones Cup campaign on Sunday, July 13, against Chinese Taipei-A, the same team they defeated in overtime to claim gold last year.
[ALSO READ: Strong Group survives Chinese Taipei-A in OT, claims Philippines' seventh Jones Cup crown]
For Kouame, they remain as the most formidable threat to the Philippines’ quest for back-to-back titles.
“Last year, we had a couple of troubles playing against them. I think they’re our main challenge,” he added.
The 27-year-old last suited up for the Meralco Bolts in the 2024-25 East Asia Super League, where he averaged 7.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in six games. The Bolts, however, narrowly missed the semifinals after losing a heartbreaking double-overtime game to the New Taipei King
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports Digital)