By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of the Philippines women’s basketball team will be without its rising star Favour Onoh in the next UAAP season but is mightily proud that the former Rookie of the Year winner is bringing her talents in the US NCAA, the State U announced Wednesday, May 21.
Onoh, 19, will continue to chase her dream at Oklahoma State University (OSU) where she will have a chance to get better owing to the school’s known basketball program.
There, she can showcase her stuff and gets closer at playing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) – her dream destination.
She thanked UP for harnessing her talent and for the opportunity of playing with the Lady Maroons in the UAAP.
“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,” said Onoh, who is set to arrive at her new school next month.
“I believe OSU will allow me to develop even more. Aside from giving good education just like UP, it will also give me a better opportunity to play professionally,” she added.
The 6-foot-4 Nigerian became pivotal for the Fighting Maroons’ stint in her debut season, averaging 11 points, 14.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.9 blocks, and 1.4 steals per contest. Those output, alongside Louna Ozar’s effort, bolstered UP to its first playoff appearance in 16 years as they finished with a 10-4 tally at third spot.
However, they misfired against eventual champions and twice-to-beat holder University of Santo Tomas in the semifinals.
Onoh’s misfortunes did not end there as she suffered a knee injury that sidelined her for the rest of Season 87 – her absence created a big void for UP as it settled for fifth place (5-9).
“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 continued.
UP also expressed its support for Onoh’s new journey.
“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,” said Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
