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Ange Kouame says next season ‘is going to be better’ for Ateneo


Angelo Kouame by Ateneo.  UAAP PHOTO

Angelo Kouame by Ateneo. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Ange Kouame seeks redemption for the next UAAP season after Ateneo’s three-year reign was ended by the University of the Philippines in a hard-fought 3-match defeat.

UAAP Season 84 MVP wants to win a fourth consecutive championship for the Blue Eagles, but JD Cagulangan broke their reign with a game win in extra time and ended the Fighting Maroons’ 36-year title drought with a dramatic 72-69 win on Friday at the Mall

“You could say successful. But I don’t think this is enough. It is a team sport. Sure, we came in second but we couldn’t go back,” said Kouame, who lost 12 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in Game 3.

Even though it’s a bitter pill to swallow for the Blue Eagle, the 6 foot-11 tall center still feels love of the Ateneo community, that inspires him to do better next season.

“I can only be thankful and lucky to feel the support every time. I think this is one of those motivations, especially today I feel like I let everyone down,” he said. “I know a lot of people who have really supported us. I’m really fighting for them.”

The Philippine naturalized big man has vowed to stay with Ateneo during Season 85 in September, and he’s determined to bring back their lost glory.

“I will be here (season) next. We will try to figure it out. Next year will be better,” Kouame said.

Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin said Kouame’s abilities were “unmeasurable and there’s still work to be done.”

“This is a young man who comes to us with so much raw ability, so much promise. But what he has and what he has for a basketball player, for an athlete will guarantee that he will succeed and that is he has an undying passion to give it all. what he has. And he doesn’t even know it, it’s just in his DNA,” Baldwin said. “But he went on the pitch and didn’t try to impress anyone. He just does what Ange Kouame does, he just chases, chases relentlessly.”

“And that’s what he still does today, he’s accumulated a lot more ability and understanding of the game. And that’s what makes him such a high value player,” he added.

Baldwin is proud of Kouame not only for his skills but also for his humility.

“He may be the Most Valuable Player in the league, but he’s certainly one of the most remarkable young men I’ve ever met,” Baldwin said. “I’m so proud of him. But there’s still a lot of work to be done and as he said, we still have a lot of work to do to get back to it soon.”

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