BY John Miles Arcenal
FOR Francis Nnoruka, consistency isn’t just about basketball - it’s a way of living.
The emerging University of the Philippines big has quietly become one of coach Goldwin Monteverde’s most reliable players, bringing energy, defense, and discipline that all mirror his off-court mentality.
“I mean, it’s really the whole idea. Playing for UP is to be consistent, you know, as a human being also, living your life,” Nnoruka told SPIN.ph.
“You gotta be consistent. So I’m just transferring the way I live my life off the court to how I play on the court.”
That consistency has become the backbone of Nnoruka’s growth, especially after the Fighting Maroons' early stumbles in their title defense.
As he put it, “You know, it hurts when you lose. It hurts when you know you could play better, but you didn’t do that.”
“If we really want to get up there, we got to be consistent, play good, and hustle hard on the court.”
Nnoruka’s energy has become essential to State U's identity. Whether it’s contesting shots, running the floor, or keeping the team’s spirits up and running, the 6-foot-9 Nigerian has gamely taken on the task.
“I respect the role and I embraced it with all my heart,” he said. “If that’s what I got to do to get the team to where we want to be, then I’ll do that willingly and happily.”
Mentor Malick
It also doesn't hurt that behind his growth is a low-key yet highly-motivational influence - former MVP and champion Malick Diouf.
The two share more than just a position - they share a daily connection rooted in brotherhood.
“Yeah, we talk pretty much every day after every game, before games,” Nnoruka shared. “He gives me encouragement and advice on how to go about the games because he’s a veteran, so he knows better. He just talks to me, I listen to him, and try to apply it on the court.”
The first-year center in the UAAP made it clear, though, that he'll never aspire to be compared to Diouf - considered as one of the best Foreign Student-Athletes (FSA) of all time.
“It’s no comparison to me and Malick. I’m me and Malick is Malick,” he said.
“Malick did what he had to do. I’m just trying to fill in the shoes they all left or even better to the best of my abilities.”
And while his consistent numbers have made him a strong candidate for the Best FSA award, Nnoruka remains focused on the bigger picture.
“I’m lucky, but that’s not really the goal," he said. "The goal is to win the championship as a team. Whatever comes with that, I’ll willingly accept it.”
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