Brighter days ahead for UP? Akhuetie to don Maroons jersey

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

"Bright committed to play for UP already," Maroons coach Bo Perasol confirmed to The STAR Tuesday.

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

When Akhueti turns eligible to wear UP's maroon jersey after the obligatory 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 sa slot position. He can definitely help us on both ends of the floor," said Perasol.

UP seeks to sustain the momentum from 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.

Akhueti, 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.