AS decorated as Collins Akowe has been, one thing has eluded him in his still young basketball career: a championship.
From NU-Nazareth School in the high school level to his rookie season in University of Santo Tomas, the Nigerian center has again and again fallen short of his ultimate goal of winning it all.
"This wasn't the end I wanted," he said, trying his hardest to contain his emotions on the heels of a painful 82-81 heartbreaker of a Final Four defeat to defending champion University of the Philippines on Wednesday.
"At least I should have gone to the final, that was my plan, and then from there, I worry about the rest."
READ: Pido on UST's earlier-than-hoped exit: 'Yung patay, binuhay namin, 'di ba?'
It was a bitter reminder to Akowe that no matter how plans are set in your own mind, things don't always play out the way you envision them.
That's even if he did all he could and produced 11 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks in the game.
Still, Akowe knows that these hardships only strengthens one's resolve, saying, "You know, God's plan is the best. I believe in God and I just have to go talk to my UST family and all that."
Black-and-gold bounce back
The 6-foot-10 beast won't come home empty-handed, however, as he's set to take the Rookie of the Year honors, as well as a Mythical Team selection in his first season in Espana.
Yet as he's proud to claim these trophies, Akowe couldn't shake off the sting of losing which makes him all the more driven to come back stronger come Season 89.
"Individual awards, that's like a blessing, it's a bonus. But the main goal is the championship," he said. "We fell short this season and hopefully we come back next year stronger and more motivated."
And his seniors made it clear what they expect from Akowe.
"I got to talk to Nic [Cabanero] and he was like, 'Bring us the championship.' I was like, 'Man, I'm going to do my best,' and all that. It was an honor being alongside them and I learned a lot from them," he shared.
"The short period of time I spent with them, we've been together for five months since I came in UST in July and I learned a lot from them. Hopefully, I can implement that into the team next year."
Now that he's gonna be seen as a veteran for this hungry Growling Tigers squad, Akowe vowed to do better next season.
"Coming into next year, I just got to put in more work on my lapses, be more motivated and all that, and continue to believe in God because I believe in God so God will lead me. That's all I can say," he said.
Does that mean Akowe will also be a better free throw shooter?
To that, he responded, "Yes sir."
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