ALL is well, it appears, between Allwell Oraeme and Mapua as concerns that the Nigerian center may transfer to another school have eased.
Mapua coach Atoy Co said Oraeme has been regularly practicing with the Cardinals, months after Co warned that two schools are looking to obtain his services following his outstanding stint with the squad in NCAA Season 91.
“Since last year pa,” Co said of Oraeme's training with the Cardinals. “Nag-break lang kami ng Christmas tapos balik na sa ensayo. He is always there.”
The 19-year-old Oraeme had a spectacular NCAA campaign last year when he won MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year honors while being named to the Mythical Five in Season 91 for the Cardinals, who reached the Final Four mainly because of his play.
Immediately, interest over Oraeme grew with Co even going on to say that two schools have expressed interest in the Nigerian cager. Co refused to name the schools, only saying it’s either 'green or blue.'
[See Atoy Co claims one UAAP team trying to pirate Oraeme]
When asked again about such schools' pursuit of Oraeme, Co said the threats have since died down, implying media attention may have turned off the pursuers.
“Hindi na yata pinursue. Dahil parang siguro dahil sa mga nababasa,” Co said.
Co also revealed that Oraeme could see action for the Cardinals in an invitational tournament in Malolos City this week.
“Kung libre lang ang time niya. Kung conflict sa school, baka hindi na," said Co. "Ang alam ko kasi, Sabado at Linggo lang ‘yung laro tapos meron palang weekday. So ilalaro ko lang kung sino ang available.”
“We are not going to be full force kasi priority muna ang school dahil itong second semester ang eligibility namin na hindi puwedeng bumagsak kasi hindi ka makakalaro,” he added.