WHILE talks on foreign student-athletes (FSA) for the upcoming UAAP Season 88 revolves around the likes of UE's Precious Momowei and FEU's Mo Konateh or the arrival of Collins Akowe in University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo believes it also has much of a say on the matter.
Enter Divine Adili.
The 19-year-old center from Nigeria stands at 6-foot-10 and is pegged to be the next great Blue Eagle big - with the potential to follow the footsteps of Ange Kouame, who has since become a naturalized player available to see action for Gilas Pilipinas.
But team manager Epok Quimpo said that Adili couldn't be more different from Kouame.
"Ibang-iba. Mas traditional big man yung laro nito na back-to-basket and post player," he told SPIN.ph.
Kouame entered the collegiate ranks as a teen with raw potential that was gradually tapped into by coach Tab Baldwin. He left Katipunan with three championships and an MVP award under his belt, as a center suited for the modern era who can make an impact at both ends.
Adili's addition
Adili is coming in with a lot of promise himself, winning back-to-back NAASCU juniors crowns with New Era University, while also taking home MVP honors in the last two years for the Junior Hunters.
Him being eligible to suit up as a true rookie and for five playing years only increases his immense potential, as Ateneo expects him to further grow his game alongside incoming sophomore Jared Bahay.
"Bata pa si Divine, so he's still growing as a player. We want to help him develop his game and teach him how to be a better player here," added Quimpo.
But the Blue Eagles are wise enough not to put too much pressure on Adili - or the rest of the blue-and-white side, for that matter.
READ: Kymani Ladi passes on NBA workout to focus on Ateneo camp
As much as they're determined to bounce back from last year's horror 4-10 showing, they know that growth takes a lot of time and they're willing to put in the work, as they hope for better returns in the future.
"We know it's not gonna be easy, but we see these players as foundational pieces na we can invest and tiwala naman kami sa capacity nila to represent Ateneo in the UAAP," said Quimpo.
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