Entering the second round of the UAAP Season 86 Boys’ Basketball Tournament, Collins Akowe was the overwhelming leader in the statistical points race.
The 18-year-old Nigerian accumulated a whopping 101 SP — 10 points ahead of second-running Kieffer Alas.
In the first round, the 6-foot-10 Grade 11 big man averaged 17.71 points, 21.86 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 1.86 assists per game.
During the Christmas break, National University Nazareth School head coach Kevin De Castro made sure to have a pep talk with Akowe.
He reminded him that the Most Valuable Player plum is not the goal.
“Masaya kasi yung hard work niya nagbunga. Pero kinausap ko nga siya na individual awards is not the goal,” said the second-year Bullpups head coach. “Our goal is the championship. Sabi ko sa kanya, if you want to be the best, you have to win the MVP and the championship.
“If nag-MVP siya tapos hindi niya nakuha yung championship, useless yan. Nagiging motivation niya yun.”
The second round is a different beast. And the Bullpups got a taste of that during their matchup against defending champions FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws last Sunday.
NUNS wasted a strong 16-4 start, eventually figuring in an overtime game against FEU-D.
Ultimately, Akowe’s presence made the difference, resulting in an 82-70 victory to rise to solo second with a 6-2 standing.
“It was a tough game. I wouldn’t say that we played badly but the difference struck,” said Akowe, who finished with 16 points, 24 rebounds, and four blocks.
“But we picked it up and defense won the game.”
Moving forward, Akowe will never remind himself that he is playing for more than the name on the back of the jersey.
After all, it’s his teammates that helped him reach the top of the MVP race.
“I would like to thank my teammates and my coaches. They pushed me to where I am today.”
