MO Tounkara’s solid play this UAAP Season 87 shouldn’t come as a surprise to many.
After all, the Malian center has been tireless for the University of Santo Tomas, manning the paint to average 11.2 points and 7.6 rebounds.
And his solid play has also earned him a stamp of approval from UST great Karim Abdul.
“Mo is good, but I can see he’s still developing his game,” said Abdul, who was on the venue last Sunday for UST’s game against La Salle.
“Sana coach Pido [Jarencio] can teach him what he taught me.”
Abdul, who donned the black-and-gold from 2011 to 2015, couldn’t help but feel proud seeing the Growling Tigers regain their contender status.
READ: 'Never Say Die' UST piles onto NU's woes in UAAP Season 87
“They’re doing better than last year so it’s clearly visible that the team is still in development, but there’s a significant improvement from last year and I think the team is on the right track,” said the Cameroonian banger.
“Syempre it’s good to see your alma mater play good. It brings back emotions.”
Abdul also shared that he has visited the UST practices a few times this season and even gave some pointers to Tounkara – one that the 6-foot-8 center appreciated tremendously.
“I really like [Abdul]. We've talked before and he just told me to do my best before the game, give it all I got. I really like getting advice from guys that may help me a lot during the process,” he said.
Tounkara is aware of what his predecessor has accomplished in his time in Espana.
Abdul was a three-time Mythical Team member and was a pivotal cog in helping the Growling Tigers reach the Final Four four times and finished runner-up thrice.
“I've heard a lot of people talk about him and he really did great during that time,” said Tounkara.
But Tounkara is bolder, stating: “I want to even do better than that. I want to stay focused on that.”
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