The UP Fighting Maroons score a coup
Bright Akhuetie, formerly from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas, has committed to join the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, according to a source closely monitoring the situation.
“We have already fixed all his papers and he has already enrolled for the second semester,” the source has revealed. “Okay na yan.”
“Yes, Bright has committed to play for UP. We were also able to secure the release from Perpetual,” head coach Bo Perasol added.
In two years with Perpetual, the 19-year-old Nigerian posted norms of 17.91 points on 56 percent shooting and 11.66 rebounds in 35 games played. Moreover, he is the first and only foreign student-athlete to be ever named as the MVP in the NCAA’s All-Star Game.
After missing out on the Final Four in his rookie season, the two-time All-NCAA team member helped lead the Perpetual Altas to the semifinals of the NCAA Season 92 Seniors Basketball tournament before bowing out to eventual champions San Beda Red Lions in two games.
Akhuetie had entertained offers from De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University before settling for UP.
The 6-foot-8 big man will have to sit out a full calendar year before being allowed to play in the 81st season of the UAAP.
“He also needs that one year to make himself comfortable to the UP educational system,” Perasol added.
He will still have three years of eligibility remaining.
