EVEN though it will no longer have its paint presence, the University of the Philippines will still go all-out in sustaining its momentum in UAAP Season 87.
Favour Onoh, last season's Rookie of the Year, has been ruled out for the entirety of the oncoming tournament as she continues to recover from injuries to both knees.
The Fighting Maroons hoped a return would've been possible, even later in their schedule, but ultimately decided to do what's best for the Nigerian's young career.
"'Di na talaga aabot. It's more of a decision agreed upon by us the coaching staff, team management, doctors, and Favour herself. We believe this is the right thing to do," said head coach Paul Ramos, who steered State U to its first playoff berth since 2008.
"Ayaw naming ipilit na i-line-up siya, then if she's not at full-strength, masasayang yung isang playing year niya. We didn't want to risk anything anymore."
Onoh posted per game counts of 11.0 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 assists in Season 86 to lap the field of first-year players. She joined forces with Louna Ozar, Kaye Pesquera, and Christie Bariquit in powering the maroon-and-green to a 6-0 start, including a scintillating triumph over National U, then the seven-time defending champion.
Now, the 6-foot-4, 18-year-old will sit out her supposed sophomore season, just as UP welcomes another Gilas Pilipinas player in Camille Nolasco and Filipino-Australian Alex Mendoza.
Doing UP a Favour
Most definitely, however, Onoh will still be present as the Fighting Maroons try to build on their breakthrough.
"That's a given. She'll still be with us sa games, sa practices, sa lahat," said Ramos.
At the same time, her teammates have additional fuel to the fire, dedicating the season to their injured foreign student-athlete.
"As always, we choose to look at the positive things coming out of this. Ngayon, ang masasabi natin, the girls will be more inspired to play because they now have Favour to play for. And they love Favour," said their mentor.
In Onoh's absence, a bigger burden will be placed on the shoulders of Achrissa Maw and Shanina Tapawan to hold down the fort. Ozar and Nolasco, meanwhile, have been cleared from national team duties and will be ready for action right away.
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