University of Santo Tomas prized rookie Collins Akowe against defending champions University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP MediaMANILA — Collins Akowe was an absolute monster in his UAAP Season 88 debut for University of Santo Tomas.
READ: Collins Akowe dominates as UST spoils UP’s rally
The 6-foot-9 Nigerian had himself a night against the University of the Philippines, posting a 29-point, 17-rebound game for the Growling Tigers in their 87-67 beatdown of the defending champion on Sunday.
“It’s a great feeling, taking advantage of the situation,” the ex-high school boys MVP and Best Foreign Student-Athlete said. “I just had to do what I got to do, representing UST.”
Akowe even outscored the whole Starting 5 of the Fighting Maroons which featured Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Gani Stevens, and Francis Nnoruka, with the quintet only putting up a total of 21 points.
And for Akowe, what helped him achieve this was how he blocked any outside noise before his first collegiate assignment.
“Coming into the game, I just had to clear my head,” he said. “I told myself, whatever happens, I just got to play. Whatever comes, comes. I just have to help my team win.”
The 19-year-old previously emphasized how he set himself to high standards even with the already stacked resume which he brings to the table.
But for Akowe, a major key in him immediately imposing himself was UST head coach Pido Jarencio’s message to him prior to the game.
“Coach Pido would just tell me: ‘Do your thing, do your thing,’” he shared. “‘Be mentally focused, and just play the game. We need you.’”
And now that he has Jarencio’s blessing, Akowe is more confident than ever that — even after his massive debut — the best is yet to come for him.
“I think there is still a next level to that,” he said. “I’m not satisfied, and I think I can do more.”
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