UP’s Favour Onoh sidelined for UAAP Season 87

The University of the Philippines will be left with a significant hole when the UAAP Season 87 begins with one of their top guns set to miss out the entire women’s basketball tournament.

Reigning Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh will sit out her supposed sophomore season as she continues to recover from injuries to both knees. 

The UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development confirmed the development on Tuesday, September 3, signifying that they are keeping an eye on Onoh’s complete recovery instead of constraining her to join the team in pursuit to end a four-decade title drought.

The Fighting Maroons hoped Onoh’s return would have been possible even in the later schedule, but their camp ultimately decided to do what’s best for the young hooper’s career.

“We don’t want to insist on putting her in the line up, then if she is not at full-strength, her one playing year would only be wasted,” said head coach Paul Ramos.

Last season, the 6-foot-4 Nigerian center displayed an outstanding debut tallying impressive per-game statistics of 11 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 assists per game. 

The Diliman-based female hoopers will now look to key players like Achrissa Maw and Shanina Tapawan to hold down the fort with Kaye Pesquera, Christie Bariquit, and Filipino-Australian Alex Mendoza also joining in the roster. 

On the other hand, Gilas Women Camille Nolasco and Louna Ozar have been cleared from their national duties and will be ready for action right away.

With Onoh sidelined, the Fighting Maroons are determined to replicate their Season 86 magic without their top anchor and are dead set on making another breakthrough in the UAAP.