Karim Abdul had a spectacular spectacular UAAP career. In his five year stay with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, he has helped lead the squad to three finals appearances – all ending with silver medals.
Abdul’s impressive resume will be tough to match for 21-year-old Ghanaian student-athlete William Afoakwah. The 6’6″ center is averaging just 2.8 points per game but is the host’s leading rebounder, with 8.6 caroms per outing.
For first year UST head coach Boy Sablan, the Ghanaian center is doing fairly well for a rookie but is still a work in progress.
“William is an aggressive player. Although hindi nakaka-finish, yung rebounding niya hindi naman masama para sa isang rookie,” Sablan said after UST succumbed to the National University Bulldogs last Sunday.
“Tandaan nyo, rookie yan. Hindi yan tulad ni Karim na beterano na at ilang years na naglalaro.
“Hindi yan nakapaglaro ng maganda ng summer o before ako nakarating,” he added about Afoakwah, who grabbed 15 rebounds in his fifth game of the season. “Ngayon lang sya nakaka-adjust sa laro niya masaya ako sa 15 rebounds niya. Hindi na masama yun.”
Afoakwah knows that he is still years away from being an elite big man but shared that he is working hard off and on the court.
“It’s a learning process, but I’ll be fine,” he said.
“I just want to do my best for the University, have my pride.”
“It’s a blessing to be a part of the team, but for sure, there’s a trusting process. We’ll be fine too,” he added.
In a league dominated by giants, Sablan knows that Afoakwah will be an integral part for the Growling Tigers for years to come.
“Tumutulong siya depensa, nakaka-intimidate din. Kahit di nakakasupalpal ng todo-todo, pag tumalon sa taas, hindi rin sila maka-shoot. Okay na ako dun,” Sablan said.
“Hopefully, mas mabigyan pa ng magandang playing time si William in the future.”
