LEARNING from the best can help you become the best. Ange Kouame, a former Ateneo Blue Eagle, is currently doing this during his brief stay with Strong Group Athletics (SGA).
Kouame is more determined than ever to represent the Frank Lao-owned club in the forthcoming 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship, which will take place from January 29 to February 3, 2025.
“It’s always a blessing, especially to represent the country,” said Kouame to a media during SGA’s media day last Sunday. “It’s another tournament and I hope we get a win this year, especially for the Dubai tournament.”
The 6-foot-11 big man was a member of the Strong Group team that won last year’s William Jones Cup and is now expected to assist the team redeem itself in the Dubai competition.
Learn from the best
The level of passion he has for SGA reflects his willingness to take a step back and absorb everything that four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins has to say about his game before applying it in game time.
“It feels great because he’s a type of player with a lot of experience. So like you see during practice, I try to learn as much as I can from him, and I try to adjust my game too,” said Kouame.
Aside from Cousins’ scoring abilities, Kouame is hoping to learn more from the former NBA player on defense. “Honestly, it’s mostly in defense,” he admitted.
“It’s hard to guard him because he can shoot, he can drive, and he can finish around the basket. He’s an all-around player, and that’s where I try to see my level, especially to try to push myself and try to push him too.”
Meanwhile, Cousins is optimistic about Kouame’s potential, adding that the 27-year-old center has a lot of room for improvement but is showing eagerness to learn.
“He’s a young kid with potential. He has a lot of growing to do, and the great thing about that is he wants to grow, he wants to get better,” said Cousins in a separate interview.
“I am on the other side of things. I’m now that veteran guy on most teams that I’ve joined. I’m enjoying the experience, I’m enjoying the role.”
“I always enjoy just passing around knowledge and teaching guys how to do it. That’s something that I always prayed [for] as a young player, so it’s my responsibility to do the same and give back,” he added.
Tight Competition
During their training sessions, the two competing big men even went at it several times. However, Kouame dismissed it, claiming that it was simply the outcome of their respective competitiveness.
“At the end of the day, he’s a competitive player and I’m competitive too. So it comes to that, where we try to go against each other,” Ange explained.
Regardless of the tough occasions, Kouame simply needs to apply all he learnt from Cousins on the court in Dubai, especially if they want to win the title.
