Bright Akhuetie was in attendance for the first game of Perpetual, Tuesday afternoon in the Filoil Flying V Centre. But this time, compared to the last two NCAA seasons, the Nigerian student-athlete was just watching as a basketball fan.
“I came to watch basketball, and besides Perpetual is playing,” Akhuetie said.
The 6-foot-8 big man transferred to the University of the Philippines Diliman after playing two solid years with Perpetual. During his NCAA days, he was included in the Mythical Five twice and brought the Altas to the Final Four once. He averaged norms of 17.91 points on 56 percent shooting and 11.66 rebounds in 35 games played.
When asked if he was present to support his former team, Akhuetie gamely nodded yes.
“I wish them good luck, I expect them to do better, and I will always be here to support the team, if I can,” the 20-year-old shared.
Akhuetie is now on vacation in between semesters at UP and looks to watch Perpetual’s games for as long as he can. He trains with the UP MBT regularly and is also set to join the Fighting Maroons’ training camp in Las Vegas from July 22 to August 5.
One of his closest friends from the Perpetual team, Prince Eze, is now left as the only reinforcement of the Las Piñas-based team but Akhuetie expressed confidence on his friend, “He is doing good, as always.”
Coach Jimwell Gican and coach Nosa Omorogbe have mentioned in interviews before that all they can do is to move on from Akhuetie’s transfer. And it looks like they are doing fine, as they toppled the College of Saint Benilde, 69-65, opening their Season 93 campaign with a win.
Akhuetie has nothing but words of support for the Altas.
“They are good and hopefully they do better this season,” he stated.
“Of course you cannot get out of Perpetual and not miss them. They are always supportive, they are the best supporters ever. The fans, the screams, that is something that I really appreciate. I still love them big time.”
Akhuetie will be donning a different shade of maroon in a different league next year, as he will play for the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 81 after serving a year of residency. – BY: Danine Cruz
