Co reveals UAAP teams pirating Oraeme; NCAA MVP says heart is with Mapua

Allwell Oraeme with his awards. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Mapua head coach Atoy Co did not mince his words when a couple of UAAP schools apparently tried to pirate NCAA Rookie-MVP Allwell Oraeme from the Cardinals.

Co said in a Facebook post “two high profile” UAAP schools are trying to pry the NCAA Defensive Player of the Year away from Mapua.

“For the past few weeks people are asking me if it’s true that UAAP teams are eyeing Oraeme Allwell. But today it’s almost confirmed that two high profile schools in UAAP are trying to get him (inaaswang nila),” Co said.

Oraeme went on an unprecedented feat, winning the MVP, ROY, and DPOY in one season as he averaged 16.3 points, a league-best 20.3 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks for the third-seeded Cardinals.

The PBA legend turned coach even went on to say that schools have tried to dangle money to get the  19-year-old center to jump ship.

“Mga walang delicadeza. Hindi sana bale kung galing high school paakyat ng varsity. Mamimili ang player kung saan niya gusto sa college, hindi yon nasa college na? Tapos after 3 yrs pinagtyagaan mo turuan at gumaling na tapos ngayon o-offer-an nila ng pera para maglaro sa kanila. Ganon ba ang sportsmanship?”

(They have no delicadeza. It’s fine if it’s someone who’s going from a high school program to the collegiate ranks. The player can choose which college he wants to enter not someone who’s already in college. After you’ve taught and developed that player, someone would just offer him money to play for them. Is that sportsmanship?)

In a text to INQUIRER.net, Co said that he talked to Oraeme on Friday afternoon and was assured of the big man’s commitment to Mapua.

“Nakausap ko ba naman si Allwell at hindi nya ine-entertain ang mga suitors nya,” the PBA legend said.

Oraeme, meamwhile, cleared that he has not entertained other schools.

“My heart is here with Mapua. Viva,” he said.