The Gilas Pilipinas’ build-up towards the 2022 FIBA World Cup suffered a massive blow as naturalized player and talented big man, Ange Kouame, suffered a meniscal sprain and a partial ACL tear.

The development means the Philippines’ men’s national basketball team will be without the 6-foot-10 big man for its tuneup games against Korea this week and quite possibly, even the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. The reigning UAAP MVP is also doubtful for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Indonesia.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) made the announcement on Wednesday.

Kouame’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the middle for the Gilas which must now be filled by the likes of Carl Tamayo, Geo Chiu, and Kevin Quiambao. The SBP also announced that wingman Dave Ildefonso will also not be travelling with the squad to Korea due to ankle injury.

They added that they are currently “exhausting all options, including looking for a replacement.”