Beyond his mission to anchor University of the East’s title-retention bid as the Junior Warriors’ lone holdover, team captain Goodluck Okebata stepped onto the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament floor with a deeper, personal purpose — a heartbreak transformed into motivation.
Okebata — the Fil-Nigerian center from Iloilo who first caught attention on TikTok — was once included in the 18-man pool of Gilas Pilipinas Boys for the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers and, later on, the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship.
Falling short of a coveted spot could have been crushing, but for Okebata, it became fuel for a breakout campaign.
Hungry to turn disappointment into drive, Okebata has emerged as the centerpiece of UE’s 3-1 start in Season 88, making his presence felt on both ends of the court.
Over four games, the 6-foot-2 forward has averaged 19 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 1.8 steals per outing while shooting an efficient 55.6-percent from the field.
“Dagdag motivation din ‘yon. Hindi ko sinasabi or minamaliit sarili ko, pero nag-aassume na ako at alam ko na rin na mare-reserve lang ako,” Okebata told Tiebreaker Times after dropping 19 points and 18 rebounds in the Junior Warriors’ 87-78 win over rival UST Tiger Cubs, Saturday morning at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
“Nung time na ‘yon, sobrang down ako kasi pangarap ko ‘yon na maging Gilas din.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In just four games, Okebata has assumed a leadership role, becoming UE’s emotional anchor and spark plug, carrying forward the legacy left by his ‘kuyas’ from Season 87.
His leadership was tested immediately after the Junior Warriors stumbled against the unbeaten NUNS Bullpups.
But Okebata helped guide UE back to form, powering three straight wins over Ateneo, UPIS, and UST, showcasing his full potential as the team’s “heart and soul.”
“Iniisip ko na lang na may UAAP pa naman, kaya hindi ko kailangan maging down. I need to be a leader for my team. Tuloy lang ako,” he shared.
“Let’s see what Lord’s plan is for me.”
While the dream of wearing the Gilas jersey will have to wait, Okebata continues to turn heartbreak into motivation in the UAAP, carrying the baton entrusted to him by Gab delos Reyes, Jolo Pascual, Mav Mesina, and Brian Orca.
“Ginagalingan ko po kasi alam ko yung mga teammates ko dati, gusto nila makita na ginagawa ko yung best ko para sa team na ito at para ma-defend yung championship na ito kasi pinaghirapan namin ito last year,” Okebata added.
“Yung ginagawa ko na lang is mino-motivate at lini-lift up ko na lang yung teammates ko pag down sila tapos sa mga parents ko, sila rin kasi nagsu-support sa akin.”
