By Gabriela Baron
Gilas Pilipinas starting center Ange Kouame is set to miss the tune up match against South Korea after suffering from a partial ACL tear.
“Due to this unfortunate development, the 6-foot-10 player will not be able to join Gilas in the friendlies against Korea,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) said in a statement Wednesday, June 16.
SBP said Kouame is also “doubtful” for the third window of the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asia Qualifiers from and the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 from July 12 to 24.
“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is exhausting all options, including looking for a replacement and securing a New Zealand visa for the game on June 30,” SBP added.
Meanwhile, Gilas guard Dave Ildefonso won’t be able to join the squad going to Korea as he is “nursing an ankle injury.” – ag
