Maroons see bright future with Akhuetie

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons can see brighter days ahead with Nigerian big man Bright Akhuetie deciding to come on board.

“Bright committed to play for UP already,” Maroons coach Bo Perasol confirmed to The STAR yesterday.

UP beat UAAP reigning champ La Salle and season 79 runner-up Ateneo for the services of the 6-foot-7 Akhuetie, who has proven his worth in his previous stint with Perpetual Help in the NCAA.

When Akhuetie turns eligible to wear UP’s maroon jersey after the one-year residency for transferees, he is expected to provide a solution to the Diliman cagers’ long-standing woes in the middle.

“ I expect him to bring stability at the  slot position. He can definitely help us on both ends of the floor,” said Perasol.

UP seeks to sustain the momentum of one of its best campaigns in years, finishing with a 5-9 record and actually contending for the Final Four in the recent Season 79.

Akhuetie, who played two seasons with the Altas and averaged in double figures in points and rebounds, sets out to provide a big impact to UP, which still hunts for a follow-up to its 1986 championship.