MANILA – Angelo Kouame is more than excited to be playing for Rain or Shine Elasto Painters head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao in the 2023 William Jones Cup next month in Taipei, Taiwan.
According to the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized center, he has heard from some collegiate teammates who are now at the Painters how Guiao coach and mold his players.
“I was surprised at first. I didn’t know that a PBA team will join this tournament,” Kouame said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk. “When I got the call to play, I accepted it immediately.”
“I really hear a lot of good stories about Coach Yeng. It’s a blessing for me to play for him. I’m excited to play for Rain or Shine,” added the 25-year-old big man.
Guiao, for his part, admitted that the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles import is a huge boost for the Painters as his team is relatively small in size.
“First time I am working with Ange and I am sure he can help the team. Madami na siyang international experience ( from Gilas Pilipinas) na madadala sa team,” said Guiao.
“Relatively, we are a small team. Ange will give us some height and size, especially since we are going up against national teams that are bigger than us. The center slot for us is the most important when you play international basketball,” he added.
The Painters were tapped to represent the country in the William Jones Cup, which is making a return for the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019.
Philippines is considered as the defending champion as the last team to hoist the Jones Cup crown was the Mighty Sports-Philippines during the 2019 edition.
“Mabilis yung mga pangyayari. Yung mga boss namin sa Rain or Shine, they are always ready to answer the call of duty. When we were invited, hindi kami nagdalawang isip,” Guiao said.
The last time Rain or Shine stepped up to the plate to represent the Philippines was back in 2018 for the Asian Games, sending the core of the Elasto Painters along with Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson./PN
