UAAP: Favour Onoh gets special ‘reward’ after Rookie of the Year plum

Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh of UP wearing a special pair of Air Force 1s during the UAAP awarding ceremony.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines freshman Favour Onoh got a special pair of Air Force 1 low after capturing one of her goals in the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament which was to win the Rookie of the Year award.

Onoh on Sunday flexed her 1-of-1 white Air Forces, which was made by their team’s sponsor, Titan 22. The pair has Maroon details engraved on it with the ’23 Rookie of the Year and her name and jersey No.10.

“I think it feels specially made for me from our sponsor so I think it’s like a reward for my award. I really like the shoes and it’s very nice,” the Nigerian center said. “Even though my No. 1 goal failed which is to get to the championship. This is my second goal, to be the rookie of the year and I’m so happy that I got that goal.”

The 18-year-old Onoh still had an impressive rookie season with 10.07 points, 13.93 rebounds, 3.21 blocks, 1.29 steals, and 1.21 assists in the elimination round and leading UP to bronze, the school’s first podium finish since 2008. 

Favour Onoh’s sneakers during the UAAP awarding ceremony where she received her Rookie of the Year trophy.–Lance Agcaoili/INQUIRER.net

In fact, Onoh eyed the ROY trophy after seeing her teammate Justine Domingo’s top rookie award last 2017 when she went to her house before the season. 

“She’s so happy for me to get this award because even before I started this season, I went to her house so I saw that trophy so I have a picture with that she was happy that I also have my award,” Onoh said. “I thank God for this award because this is my first year and this is my first season and I have this award. Meanwhile, I worked for it. At least all my extra work really paid off. Even my coaches, the work that they used to give me.:

After receiving the top rookie plum, Onoh hopes to win the Most Valuable Player next season — including another special pair, an MVP edition. But she needs to earn it. 

“Yes MVP, I want to. I want to win the MVP,” said Onoh. “The past season I saw my mistakes. I need to work more on my footwork for me to get the MVP because it’s not an easy task. I need to work extra.”

Onoh’s next goal is winning the championship, using their bronze medal as a springboard to reach the top.

“Our goal is to get the championship. So, we’re getting to this level, I think by next season, we will get the championship,” she said. “I really trust my team. So I trust that if we work together as a team, we will get the championship and together with me and Louna [Ozar] in the team, we are like a big pillar to the team. So, we will work together and we will get the championship next year.”