UP Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh leaves for US NCAA Division I

After playing one promising year in UP, UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh is set to showcase her skills on a bigger stage, the US NCAA, with the Oklahoma State University

MANILA, Philippines – After starring in the UAAP women’s basketball circuit for a year, UP Fighting Maroons center Favour Onoh is set to leave the country and transfer to Oklahoma State University of the US NCAA.

Onoh, the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year, was only able to play one season for UP as she suffered injuries on both her knees before the start of Season 87.

“I’m super excited to play in the NCAA because it will help me gain experience and knowledge,” the 6-foot-4 Onoh said in a press release. “It’s one step to my goal of playing professionally.”

Onoh is set to fly to Stillwater, Oklahoma, on June 2 to commence training with the Cowgirls, who play in the Big 12 Conference of the NCAA’s Division I.

Joining Onoh as the team’s newcomers are 6-foot-2 center Faith Acker, and 6-foot-5 Wilnie Joseph.

“Defensively, Favour is a great rim protector. She has great height and length that will make it hard for others to score over,” OSU head coach Jacie Hoyt said.

“We love how mobile she is for her size and believe that she can be a great rim runner for us which is crucial in our offense.”

During her lone UAAP season, she was able to average all-around numbers 11.0 points, 14.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.9 blocks.

Along with then fellow rookie Louna Ozar, the Nigerian center was able to help tow UP to a Final Four berth in Season 86 for the first time since 2008.

However, the team was halted in the playoffs by eventual champions UST Growling Tigresses.

Without Onoh for Season 87, the Maroons were unable to secure a playoff berth, finishing just outside the playoff picture at fifth.

Prior to her injury, Onoh was in strong consideration to be included in the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s program as its naturalized player. – Rappler.com