AFTER a three-year wait, University of Santo Tomas foreign student-athlete Peter Osang saw to it that his first taste of UAAP action would be unforgettable.
The Nigerian arrived in España in March 2023 at 18 years old, but was left out of the lineup, as the Growling Tigers opted to go with Adama Faye in Season 86, Mo Tounkara in Season 87, and Collins Akowe starting Season 88.
Come Season 89, with the league allowing two FSAs in the lineup, Osang finally got his shot.
Only, he again had to wait, this time 11 games before getting the call in UST's lopsided triumph over University of the East on Wednesday.
READ: UST bares teeth for playoff hunt by blasting on-a-high UE
At long last given the ball, the 6-foot-7 big ran with it right away and wound up with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and two steals - a debut that was, most definitely, impressive.
Not for him, however.
As he put it, “I played, nothing special. Just played with the team, helped the team, and did my job. That’s it.”
Exhibiting the togetherness of the Growling Tigers, Osang also leaned on words of advice from Akowe, last season's Rookie of the Year who remains a dynamo in black-and-gold.
“He’s one of the players in UST that I look up to. I know I’ve been in UST before him, but I’m still learning,” he shared. “So I learned from him. I just listened to his advice and applied it in the game, as well.”
For his part, Akowe, indeed, made sure his compatriot didn't put unnecessary pressure on himself.
“I’m happy for him, that’s the best I can say. First game of the UAAP, Player of the Game, He stepped up, I’m happy for him,” he told SPIN.ph.
“I just said keep your head in the game, stay cool, don’t get too excited, and don’t let the crowd get into you. Just do Peter’s stuff. Just go,” he added.
From Akowe to Osang
Nonetheless, the question remains why UST went with Osang over Akowe, averaging a still-solid 14.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 blocks through 11 games.
Apparently, it was just in response to their first-round meeting with these same Red Warriors, when the Growling Tigers almost lost a big lead late.
While Akowe is an ever-reliable presence who can impose his will down low, Osang offers a different pace and space.
In particular, Amiel Acido pointed to Osang’s hustle and rebounding as key factors in helping them get out in transition and create early scoring opportunities.
“Siyempre, yung hustle and energy niya sa loob ng court. Every time he gets the rebounds, doon kami nagkakaroon ng chance na makuha yung pace na gusto namin,” he said.
“We’re more of a run-and-gun team talaga. We really like pushing the ball, getting early shots as we can, so yun talaga yung mga factor ni Peter sa loob.”
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