THE University of the Philippines basketball program is clicking on all cylinders, with its women's team now also producing talent worthy of international opportunities.
Center Favour Onoh is the latest Fighting Maroon to take her talents abroad, as the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year is set to transfer to Oklahoma State University (OSU) to play for the Cowgirls in the US NCAA.
"I would not be able to have this kind of opportunity without UP and the skills I learned not just in basketball, but also in life," she said.
"I believe OSU will allow me to develop more. Aside from giving good education just like UP, it will also give me a better opportunity to play professionally."
The 6-foot-4 Nigerian made an immediate impact in her first year for State U in 2023, as she posted per game counts of 11.0 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 assists and joined forces with Louna Ozar for their first playoff berth since 2008.
For that, she was considered to be a candidate for naturalization by Gilas Pilipinas Women.
READ: Gilas Women seeking naturalization of UAAP top rookie Favour Onoh
Onoh suffered knee injuries in the offseason and was held out of Season 87 to rest and recover. Fast forward to today, and she guarantees that her knees are all good.
"I'm super excited to play in the NCAA because it will help me gain experience and knowledge. It's one step to my goal of playing professionally," she said.
The 19 year old is slated to fly to Stillwater, Oklahoma on June 2 to start training with the Cowgirls for the Big 12 Tournament later in the year.
UP honor and excellence abroad
For its part, UP is nothing but proud to see yet another one of its student-athletes bringing the UP Fight overseas.
"We are all proud of Favour and we will all continue supporting her. At the same time, nakakabilib na in just a few years, may ganitong talent nang na-produce ang (women's team) natin," said Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol.
Onoh now stands alongside Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano, Carl Tamayo, JD Cagulangan, and Francis Lopez as former Fighting Maroons playing internationally.
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