Ex-UV Cameroonian import Steve Akomo transfers to UST

FORMER University of the Visayas (UV) big man Steve Akomo has found a new home as he is set to play for the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in the UAAP.

The athletic Cameroonian who helped the Green Lancers come within a breath away from the Cesafi title last season, confirmed to Cebu Daily News the development in an exclusive interview on Saturday morning.

“Yes, I am with UST now. This is a new opportunity for me and I am very much grateful for this,” said the affable 6-foot-9 center who helped usher in a new era of UV basketball several years ago, one powered by African players.

After falling short of the crown last year, Akomo spent the next few months barnstorming commercial basketball leagues all over the country. This, in turn, caused him to lose his Cesafi eligibility.

But when that door closed, another soon opened for Akomo.

“I can’t keep on playing ‘panalay.’ Whenever I get injured playing in commercial leagues, whatever money I have saved will end up getting spent for my recovery. When you play ‘panalay,’ you never know what will happen and I can’t do that anymore,” shared Akomo.

Akomo added that he has been practicing with the Growling Tigers for a week now and the experience has been nothing but positive so far. He will be spending a year in residency before getting the chance to suit up next year. Akomo added that he still has two more years of eligibility left for UST.

The high-leaping center should be a great fit for a Growling Tigers squad that is looking for a suitable replacement for former big man Karim Abdul.

He will also be joining Cebuano Zachary Huang in what is expected to be a formidable frontcourt.

UV team manager Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas said that the transfer went through the proper channels with UST sending a representative to personally talk to him.

“UST was very respectful because they sent someone to talk to me personally,” shared Gullas of this particular player recruitment which comes on the heels of the tumultuous transfer of ace guard Jun Manzo to the University of the Philippines.