After a strong high school career at NU-Nazareth School, Collins Akowe is forging a new path with the UST Growling Tigers starting with UAAP Season 88.
Collins Akowe is forging a new journey for himself in joining forces with former high school rivals with the UST Growling Tigers in UAAP Season 88.
After having himself a debut of 29 points and 17 rebounds, no one can underestimate the impact he brings even as a rookie player to the Growling Tigers — especially after making this stat line against defending champion UP over the weekend.
But even as he played his first game for the España-based squad in the UAAP seniors division, Akowe said that it is still something of a surreal moment that he found himself in the Growling Tigers’ den.
[RELATED: Nic Cabañero after Collins Akowe leads UST in shock win over UP: 'I know he will do well’]
“I think I’ve mentioned it before, I never saw myself playing for UST. I never envisioned it,” said Akowe, who also made his UAAP debut in front of an adoring UST crowd.
“I’m grateful to be here, a great school, a great community.”
Stick to the system
Although Akowe’s numbers have turned heads from the get-go, it is still early on in the season.
With bigger and better matchups coming as the games go on, Akowe said that he is placing all his trust in what coach Pido Jarencio draws up for him.
Having been used to carrying the team on his back during his days in NU-Nazareth school, the Nigerian center is eager to play his desginated role in a UST team hunting for a title.
“I'll just stick to the system. Whatever the defense brings, I'm still going to stick to the system. I'll never go out of the system,” he said.
After such a magnificent opener, whether or not Akowe has already hit his rookie ceiling is still up in the air.
But as far as the young big man is concerned, it’s only the beginning for himself and the rest of the Growling Tigers in Season 88.
“I think there is next level to that. I'm not satisfied. I'm not pleased. I think I can do more,” he said.
Akowe tests his mettle next against Mike Phillips and the DLSU Green Archers when they tangle on Saturday, September 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.