University of the Philippines has shored up one of its biggest weaknesses heading into the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, adding much-needed size through Fil-Am forward Kennan Ka and Nigerian recruit Blessing Chuole Francis.
The Fighting Maroons formally welcomed the two frontcourt reinforcements as new head coach Eric Altamirano looks to steer the program back into Final Four contention after fifth- and seventh-place finishes over the past two seasons.
“Talagang big boost sila sa atin because, as we all saw, height is what we had been lacking in the last two years,” Altamirano said.
Ka, a 6-foot, 22-year-old Fil-Am, joins UP after a collegiate stint with Long Beach State.
Although she brings size to the Maroons’ lineup, the San Diego, California native also offers versatility as a ballhandler and playmaker. She gives UP another reliable option alongside returning standouts Louna Ozar, Camille Nolasco, and Kaye Pesquera.
Meanwhile, the 6-foot-1 Francis provides the traditional interior presence the Fighting Maroons have been searching for since the departure of former Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh, who anchored UP’s frontline during its Season 86 Final Four campaign.
The 21-year-old Nigerian is expected to bolster the frontcourt rotation together with seniors Achrissa Maw and Ninay Tapawan as the Maroons seek to re-establish themselves among the league’s contenders.
Beyond adding height, Altamirano believes the newcomers bring valuable experience to a squad entering a new chapter under his leadership.
The former UP men’s basketball champion, who was part of the Fighting Maroons’ historic 1986 title team alongside Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc, remains measured in his expectations despite the team’s offseason additions.
“We have high hopes for the upcoming season, but at the same time, we know how competitive the field is. So the first thing we want to do is just to compete,” he said.
