University of Santo Tomas (UST) just got a major boost as it secured the services of Cameroonian Collins Akowe ahead of Season 88 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

The 6-foot-10 slotman will patrol the paint for the Growling Tigers following a stellar campaign for National University-Nazareth School, which he led to back-to-back finals appearances in boys’ basketball tournament.

Sideliners bared that the looming return of Omar John to National University and the presence of Mike Philips, Luis Pablo, Mason Amos, and Bright Nwankwo at De La Salle University made it easier for him to pick UST, which is looking to improve its third-place finish last season.

He was welcomed by UST coach Pido Jarencio and team manager Waiyip Chong on Monday.

Interestingly, it was the Tiger Cubs who spoiled Akowe’s bid for a UAAP title last March. Akowe averaged 20.8 points, 18.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks in the previous season

The 19-year-old Akowe’s arrival came at a perfect time as UST’s foreign student-athlete in Mo Tounkara went back to Mali and joined Stade Malien in the Basketball Africa League.