University of Santo Tomas rookie Collins Akowe is quickly making his mark in UAAP Season 88, and he says much of his drive comes from the NBA giants he has long admired.
Akowe, a former standout from NU Nazareth School, has been dominant in his first two games with the Growling Tigers, averaging 24.5 points and 18 rebounds per outing.
His production earned him a Player of the Week citation alongside Ateneo’s Kacey Dela Rosa, while also fueling UST’s surprising 2-0 start.
When asked about his approach to the game, Akowe dismissed the notion of style, rituals, or distractions.
“I just wanna play basketball. I don’t care about whatever comes in, man. That’s just distractions. I honestly love it,” he said in an interview with Fastbreak.
Instead, Akowe pointed to four NBA big men as his biggest influences: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Shaquille O’Neal, and Anthony Davis.
From Shaq’s raw power to Giannis’ relentless aggression, from Embiid’s inside dominance to Davis’ versatility, Akuwe says he tries to take lessons from each of them as he carves out his own identity in the UAAP.
UST last reached the UAAP Finals in 2015, and with Akuwe anchoring the paint alongside guards Nicael Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao, the Growling Tigers suddenly look like legitimate dark horse contenders. (JNV)
The post Kaya pala halimaw sa laro! Collins Akowe draws inspiration from his NBA idols first appeared on Fastbreak.
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