GROWLING TIGERS big man and foreign student-athlete (FSA) Mo Tounkara has bid farewell to UST after deciding to turn professional with his hometown team Stade Malien, a Mali-based basketball club.
Tounkara’s force on both sides of the floor contributed significantly to the Growling Tigers’ winning ways, helping them clinch their first Final Four appearance since 2019.
The 6-foot-8 center posted an average score of 13.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 13 outings during the Tigers’ Season 87 campaign, where they finished bronze, their best place since Season 82.
UST recruited Tounkara’s services in 2022. However, the big man did not seek action after the Growling Tigers chose former FSA Adama Faye to start Season 86.
Despite his stellar numbers, the 21-year-old faced setbacks, including a one-game suspension and his failure to bag an individual award. The big man was also ejected in UST’s clash against the DLSU Green Archers in Round 2 of Season 87 because of unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Malian native played his second professional game for Stade Malien yesterday, April 6, against Al Ittihad Alexandria and logged in five points in a losing effort, 69-72.
With Tounkara out of the lineup, UST will look to lean on the services of its remaining FSA center Peter Osang in the upcoming Season 88.
The Nigerian big man recently dialed three points, 14 rebounds and a steal in the UST Growling Tigers’ championship-clinching victory against the UE Red Warriors at the Pinoyliga Global Invitationals Cup on Sunday, March 30. F
