IN HIS debut campaign with the UST Growling Tigers, foreign student-athlete (FSA) Collins Akowe captured his first collegiate MVP award during the 2025 Asiabasket International Invitational.
The 6-foot-10 big man wasted no time imposing his presence, posting averages of 14.5 points, 15.5 rebounds and 3.1 stocks across four games to anchor the Tigers’ run to the title picture.
Akowe was also named to the tournament’s First Team alongside teammate Mark Llemit, Adamson’s Matt Erolon, San Beda’s Yukien Andrada and Letran’s Kevin Santos.
The 19-year-old Nigerian had his best outing against the College of St. Benilde in the quarterfinals, where he unleashed a monster double-double of 20 points and 20 boards.
In the finals, however, Akowe was limited to nine points on 4-for-13 shooting. He still left his mark by grabbing 20 rebounds and swatting two shots.
After bouncing back from a 0-2 start, the Tigers faltered late against the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 68-63, on July 25, Friday, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Akowe was also called for an unsportsmanlike foul after a physical exchange with Adamson star Cedrick Manzano in the last 14 seconds of the game.
A former NU Bullpup and UAAP boys’ MVP, Akowe will be eligible to play five full years in the UAAP beginning Season 88, which is set to open in mid-September. F
