The weight of his new distinction is not lost on Ange Kouame, the Philippine cage program’s newly-naturalized player.And neither the mental baggage that comes with it.
“Of course, there is pressure,” he told Inquirer’s SportsIQ on Friday.
“I’m the youngest naturalized player. I feel the pressure.” Kouame, originally from the Ivory Coast, acquired Filipino citizenship by way of a bill that President Duterte signed into law earlier this week.
He follows the footsteps of Marcus Douthit and Andray Blatche—the latter, a well-traveled pro and an NBA veteran—who were both integral in the Philippines’ first World Cup appearance in 36 years.
Kouame knows exactly how …
Keep on reading: Kouame knows pressure of being PH’s naturalized player, vows to be at his best for country