Ange Kouame and Dave Ildefonso sidelined due to injuries.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced on Wednesday that naturalized big man Ange Kouame and winger Dave Ildefonso will be sidelined in the upcoming tune- up games of Gilas Pilipinas against South Korea on June 17 and 18.
The 6-foot-10 cager suffered a meniscal sprain and a partial ACL tear, making him doubtful for the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers and even for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Indonesia.
A source from Gilas said that Kouame has been dealing with pain in his knees for a while and the injury was only revealed after he finally went for a check-up.
On the other hand, Ildefonso is said to be nursing an ankle injury and would not be rehabilitated in time for the Korean friendlies.
"We wish Ange and Dave all the best in their recovery," the SBP said in a statement.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas also said in the wake of this development, it is “exhausting all options, including looking for a replacement” for Kouame for Gilas’ matchup with the Tall Blacks in Auckland on June 30.
Gilas will be travelling to Auckland to play New Zealand before hosting India on July 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena here.
Without Kouame and Ildefonso, Gilas is left with Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, William Navarro, Carl Tamayo, SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Geo Chiu, Lebron Lopez, Rhenz Abando and Kevin Quiambao to play for head coach Nenad Vucinic.
Kouame’s injury is pivotal for the youth-laden team as he anchored the team in the previous matches especially inside the paint for both offense and defense.
Depending on the severity and the rehab progress of the ACL tear, Kouame may also be in danger of missing his last playing year in the UAAP when the Season 85 tournament starts in September or early October this year.
Tags: #Gilas, #basketball, #FIBA