Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
For normal spectators, Chibueze Ikeh is just another big man in Ateneo’s roster.
Thirdy Ravena, though, begged to differ.
As the Blue Eagles celebrated their ninth UAAP title after beating De La Salle 88-86 in the third game of the Season 80 Finals, Finals MVP Ravena called Ikeh to join him under the bright lights of Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I wasn’t expecting that, he’s been one of a kind,” said Ikeh who finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks Sunday in the title-clincher. “For him to share that moment with me, it feels so great, I really appreciate that.”
Ikeh never got the same reputation like other big men in the league like two-time MVP Ben Mbala, Steve Akomo, Prince Orizu, or Issa Gaye as dominating centers.
Despite Ikeh’s 6-foot-8 frame, he was just seen as a mere filler in the center position of Ateneo’s system.
Ravena, though, said that Ikeh is far from a role player.
“There are things that people don’t see because it’s the intangibles that he brings,” said Ravena in Filipino. “You don’t see it the stats but I saw Ikeh the whole, he did his job, he did his best to limit Ben, and execute the game plan.”
Mbala finished with 19 points, on 7-of-14 shooting, with seven rebounds while being matched up mostly with Ikeh.