University of the Philippines center Favour Onoh is ready to bring her game to the NCAA Division I stage as she transfers to Oklahoma State University to join the Cowgirls.
The 6-foot-4 Nigerian, who made waves in her rookie campaign in UAAP Season 86, becomes the latest Fighting Maroon to play overseas.
Onoh averaged an impressive 11.0 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 assists in her first year. Her performances earned her Rookie of the Year honors while helping UP secure its first playoff berth since 2008.
“I would not be able to have this kind of opportunity without UP and the skills I learned not just in basketball, but also in life,” Onoh shared.
“I believe OSU will allow me to develop more. Aside from giving good education just like UP, it will also give me a better opportunity to play professionally.”
The 19-year-old sophomore was sidelined during UAAP Season 87 due to knee injuries, but has since recovered and is ready to compete at the next level.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“I’m super excited to play in the NCAA because it will help me gain experience and knowledge. It’s one step to my goal of playing professionally,” Onoh added.
She is scheduled to fly to Stillwater, Oklahoma, on June 2 to begin training with Oklahoma State ahead of the Big 12 Tournament.
UP’s Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) director Bo Perasol expressed pride in Onoh’s achievement. He also recognized the significance of her milestone for the Fighting Maroons women’s basketball program.
“We are all proud of Favour and we will all continue supporting her. At the same time, nakakabilib na in just a few years, may ganitong talent nang na-produce ang WBT natin,” Perasol said.
Onoh joins the growing list of former UP players making their mark on the international basketball scene, including men’s basketball team alumni Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño, Carl Tamayo, JD Cagulangan, and Francis Lopez.
With Onoh moving on, the UP women’s basketball team looks ahead to UAAP Season 88, led by Louna Ozar and Kaye Pesquera.
