Akhuetie impressive in debut but admits UP can’t get excited yet

Alvin Pasaol shares a light moment with UP’s David Murrel and Bright Akhuetie. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

Bright Akhuetie finally made his much-awaited UAAP debut for University of the Philippines and he let the league know he has arrived.

Akhuetie, who sat out a year due to the one-year residency rule, posted 15 points, 18 rebounds and three blocks in the Fighting Maroons’ 87-58 at the start of Season 81 on Saturday.

READ: Hot start as UP routs UE to get UAAP campaign going

“Feels great. For me it’s the same basketball. I just condition myself and go out there and play,” Akhuetie said.

The Nigerian center, who began his collegiate career with the University of Perpetual Help Altas in the NCAA before transferring to UP, was a man among boys in the paint.

But despite the numbers, Akhuetie said he’s still not in his top form.

READ: Bright prospects

“Not yet,” Akhuetie said when asked if he feels 100 percent.

The 6-foot-7 Akhuetie provided the inside presence on both ends especially in the second half, where the Maroons broke the game wide open after a 33-deadlock at the half.

Akhuetie, though, said UP can’t afford to get ahead of itself after just one game.

“We can’t get too excited because it’s the first game. We got to go back and work harder,” he said.