While the landscape of the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Tournament has significantly shifted, one thing remains constant: National University Nazareth School’s Nigerian center and reigning MVP Collins Akowe continues to be a force to reckon with.
In the Bullpups’ heartbreaking silver-medal finish in Season 86, Akowe immediately made a statement in his debut season.
He became the first-ever foreign student-athlete in the boys’ division to win the MVP award, posting stellar averages of 17.14 points, 21.07 rebounds, 2.21 blocks, and 1.64 assists per game, amassing a remarkable 96.714 statistical points.
Having dominated the All-Filipino 19-and-under competition last season, Akowe now faces a new challenge as rival schools have also enlisted foreign-student athletes (FSAs) to compete against the 6-foot-10 standout in NU’s pursuit of the crown.
In their Season 87 opener against the University of Santo Tomas, Akowe faced Senegalese forward Racine Kane but still managed to impose his will. Leading NU to a 71-60 victory last Sunday, Akowe recorded 21 points, 26 rebounds, four blocks, one steal, and one assist.
Despite his dominant performance, Akowe admitted that Kane tested his mettle.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Of course, you know, I need to stay prepared mentally, physically. Though he’s faster, he plays like a gun. It was a tough match-up for me. You can see there were some tough calls and all that. But, you know, I need to stay disciplined. I need to move my feet, and do the little things I can. So, that’s what I’m doing. I did my best,” the 19-year-old shared.
As the season progresses, Akowe will not only contend with double or even triple teams from opposing defenses but will also face fellow FSAs who are eager to make their mark.
After Kane, Akowe is set to battle De La Salle Zobel’s Cameroonian center Christian Mben and University of the East’s Ivorian big man Jean Bana.
While the arrival of other imports may seem like a challenge, Akowe sees it as an opportunity to elevate his game and prepare for the collegiate level.
“Actually, I need to focus on my self-improvement. That’s the first thing. And now I can use self-improvement to help the team win. So, that’s why I’m doing that. The imports, no? Not a problem,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro believes Akowe’s main advantage over the other FSAs in the league is his experience from Season 86, combined with his hunger to avenge last year’s runner-up finish.
“Siguro may mga imports na, kaya magkakaroon ng konting adjustments kasi last year, talagang [si Collins] lang ’eh. Ngayon, medyo mabigat pero at least yung pinakaedge niya compared to the other imports ay may experience na siya sa UAAP. Pero, nothing against doon sa mga imports, kahit sino naman siguro magb-buy-in sa gustong ipatakbo na sistema ng mga team,” De Castro explained.
Not only did Akowe dominate statistically in Season 86, but his exceptional performance also propelled NU to the second seed with an 11-3 record after the eliminations. With a new season ahead and heightened competition, Akowe remains determined to lead the Bullpups back to the top.
