THE STAGE is set in Dubai and might feature a nostalgic clash between two former UAAP foreign student athletes (FSA), Ange Kouame of the Ateneo Blue Eagles and Malick Diouf of the UP Fighting Maroons. 

With the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship approaching, Kouame and Diouf’s paths may cross once more if destiny allows them. Setting up another epic match, this time on a professional level.

Kouame represents Strong Group Athletics (SGA), whereas Diouf plays for Zamboanga Valientes. This rivalry marked an era in Philippine collegiate basketball, and it may bring back memories of them. 

Throughout their collegiate careers, the two FSAs have been a problem for one another, producing countless memorable games and distinguishing themselves as two of the league’s all-time greats.

Grabbing the Opportunity

Kouame was key in Ateneo’s domination, helping the Blue Eagles to UAAP championships in 1981, 1982, and 1985. Meanwhile, Diouf led the UP to a historic victory in Season 84. 

Putting that aside, Koaume’s SGA is in Group A, while Diouf’s Valientes will be in Group B, and both are excited about the opportunity to not only represent the Philippines but also display their talent.

“It’s always a blessing, especially to represent the country. I hope we get the win this year in the Dubai tournament,” said Kouame, the former UAAP Season 84 MVP and Season 85 Finals MVP.

Meanwhile, for Diouf, the UAAP Season 84 Finals MVP and Season 85 MVP, “It’s a good opportunity, playing in Dubai. It’s an international league – everybody wants to play there. There are a lot of scouts. If I do my best, hopefully, I get a chance to play outside.”

Tough Road Ahead

Given how notable both of these players are alone, as well as the games they’ve played against each other throughout the years, it’d be fun to see them share the court once more before they move on to their respective careers.

“I’ll be happy to face him again, especially while both of us are representing the Philippines. Both of us are trying to bring pride to the country, and I’m looking forward to it,” Kouame said.

“Hopefully, since we’re in different brackets, if both teams perform well, we can meet in the finals. Playing against Ange in the UAAP was always exciting. If we face off again, it’s going to be just as intense,” Diouf said.

To bring the rivalry to life, both teams would have to play a lot of tough matches in the elimination phase before moving on to the quarterfinals, where they may potentially face each other. 

Strong Group joins Dubai, Al Nasr, Amman, and Beirut for a tough Group A, while Zamboanga faces a difficult schedule in Group B, which includes Sagesse SC, Al Ahli Tripoli, Sharjah, and Tunisia. 

While the Jacob Lao-managed team has a lineup capable of advancing to the finals, the other Philippine-represent team will definitely face an uphill battle due to its late formation and a shallow lineup.