THOMASIAN STANDOUTS Kent Pastrana, Brigette Santos and Collins Akowe were recognized as among the finest student cagers as they earned spots in the Collegiate Press Corps Mythical Five, which honors the top performers of the UAAP Season 88 and NCAA Season 101.
The trio banner UST’s representation at the annual Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by Strong Group Athletics on June 29 at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig City.
Fresh off leading the Growling Tigresses to their second UAAP title in three seasons, veteran winger Kent Pastrana added another accolade to her decorated collegiate career.
The Finals MVP averaged 16.21 points, 6.79 rebounds, 4.36 assists and 2.57 steals per game in the elimination round to secure her fourth UAAP Mythical Five team selection.
Pastrana elevated her play even further in the championship series against NU Lady Bulldogs, posting 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 3.8 steals per contest to power UST back to the throne. She was also instrumental in the Growling Tigresses’ capture of both the UAAP Season 88 women’s 5×5 and 3×3 titles.
Joining Pastrana in the Women’s Basketball Mythical Five is fellow Tigress Brigette Santos, whose steady two-way play proved instrumental throughout UST’s championship run. The veteran guard averaged 10.29 points, 3.71 assists, 3.50 rebounds and 2.50 steals per game.
On the men’s side, Collins Akowe cemented his status as one of the country’s premier young big men after anchoring the Growling Tigers with averages of 16.4 points, 14.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. The 6-foot-10 Nigerian center also captured Rookie of the Year honors.
Selected by members of the Collegiate Press Corps, the Mythical Five is regarded as one of the most prestigious individual distinctions on the Philippine college hoops. F
