Ateneo’s Angelo Kouame. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Ange Kouame seeks redemption subsequent UAAP season after Ateneo’s three-year reign was ended by College of the Philippines in a tricky winner-take-all Recreation 3 loss.
The UAAP Season 84 MVP wished to win the fourth straight championship for the Blue Eagles, however JD Cagulangan shattered their dynasty with a game-winning trey in time beyond regulation and ended the Combating Maroons’ 36-year title drought with a dramatic 72-69 victory on Friday at Mall
“You would possibly say success. However I don’t suppose that is sufficient. It’s a staff sport. Definitely, we completed second however we can not return,” mentioned Kouame, who dropped 12 factors, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and three blocks in Recreation Three.
Though it was a bitter capsule to swallow for the Blue Eagles, the 6-foot-11 middle nonetheless felt the love of the Ateneo group, which conjures up him to do higher subsequent season.
“I’m simply grateful and blessed to really feel the assist each single time. I believe like that is a kind of motivations, particularly right this moment I really feel like I let the entire folks down,” he mentioned. “I do know lots of people have been actually supporting us. I’m actually striving for them.”
The naturalized Filipino massive man vowed to stick with Ateneo in Season 85 set in September and he’s decided to convey again their misplaced glory.
“I’ll be right here subsequent (season). We’ll attempt to determine it out. Subsequent yr goes to be higher,” Kouame mentioned.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin mentioned Kouame’s capability is “immeasurable and there’s nonetheless much more to go.”
“This can be a younger man that got here to us with quite a lot of uncooked capability, quite a lot of promise. However what he had and what he has for a basketball participant, for an athlete will be certain that he might be profitable and that’s that he has an timeless ardour to offer every part he’s bought. And he doesn’t even know that, it’s simply in his DNA,” Baldwin mentioned. “However he went out on the court docket and he didn’t attempt to impress anyone. He simply did what Ange Kouame does, he simply pursued, relentlessly pursued.”
“And it’s what he nonetheless does right this moment, he stacked on quite a lot of capability and much more understanding of the sport. And that’s what makes him such a extremely priceless participant,” he added.
Baldwin is pleased with Kouame not simply due to his abilities but additionally his humility.
“He is perhaps the Most Invaluable Participant within the league, however he’s actually probably the most outstanding younger males that I’ve ever met,” Baldwin mentioned. “I’m so pleased with him. However there’s much more to do and as he mentioned, we have now extra work to get again to quickly.”
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