Romwel Anzures

University of Santo Tomas prized rookie Collins Akowe against defending champions University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758455529750UAAP88 BB - UP vs UST - Collins Akowe -40.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="University of Santo Tomas prized rookie Collins Akowe against defending champions University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">University of Santo Tomas prized rookie Collins Akowe against defending champions University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. <em>Photo from UAAP Media</em></span></span></span>MANILA — Collins Akowe was an absolute monster in his UAAP Season 88 debut for University of Santo Tomas.</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/9/21/uaap-collins-akowe-dominates-in-debut-as-ust-spoils-defending-champ-up-s-rally-1840"><strong>READ: Collins Akowe dominates as UST spoils UP’s rally</strong></a></div><p>The 6-foot-9 Nigerian had himself a night against the University of the Philippines, posting a 29-point, 17-rebound game for the Growling Tigers in their 87-67 beatdown of the defending champion on Sunday.</p><p>“It’s a great feeling, taking advantage of the situation,” the ex-high school boys MVP and Best Foreign Student-Athlete said. “I just had to do what I got to do, representing UST.”</p><p>Akowe even outscored the whole Starting 5 of the Fighting Maroons which featured Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Gani Stevens, and Francis Nnoruka, with the quintet only putting up a total of 21 points.</p><p>And for Akowe, what helped him achieve this was how he blocked any outside noise before his first collegiate assignment.</p><p>“Coming into the game, I just had to clear my head,” he said. “I told myself, whatever happens, I just got to play. Whatever comes, comes. I just have to help my team win.”</p><p>The 19-year-old previously emphasized how he set himself to high standards even with the already stacked resume which he brings to the table.</p><p>But for Akowe, a major key in him immediately imposing himself was UST head coach Pido Jarencio’s message to him prior to the game.</p><p>“Coach Pido would just tell me: ‘Do your thing, do your thing,’” he shared. “‘Be mentally focused, and just play the game. We need you.’”</p><p>And now that he has Jarencio’s blessing, Akowe is more confident than ever that — even after his massive debut — the best is yet to come for him.</p><p>“I think there is still a next level to that,” he said. “I’m not satisfied, and I think I can do more.”<strong></strong><br/><strong></strong><br/><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></p><div><br/><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_SWOLxGbPfc?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K0Ou2ruUrus?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>“I think there is still a next level to that,” said Akowe. “I’m not satisfied, and I think I can do more.”</p>

“I think there is still a next level to that,” said Akowe. “I’m not satisfied, and I think I can do more.”

UAAP: What Coach Pido told Collins Akowe ahead of rookie's impressive UST debut

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Basketball

UAAP: What Coach Pido told Collins Akowe ahead of rookie's impressive UST debut

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 21, 2025 08:46 PM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

UAAP

ABSSports

UAAP Season 88

UAAP Basketball

University of Santo Tomas

UST Growling Tigers

UP Fighting Maroons

Collins Akowe

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.