UP stalwart Favour Onoh's naturalization in process — SBP

Favour Onoh (left) UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines: UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh’s naturalization is in the process to play for Gilas Pilipinas Women.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Erika Dy confirmed that Onoh’s papers for naturalization are already at play.

“Yes on the women’s side, we actually identified somebody who is going to be in a naturalization process, her name is Favour Onoh, and she has actually been playing here in the country for UP (University of the Philippines). She is also a scholar in UP, she is a very good candidate,” Dy told the press during the Philippines Sportswriters Association press conference at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“We know her character. She has a good character inside and outside the basketball court, we are really looking forward to having her on Gilas team once her naturalization pushes through.”

The 18-year-old center comes from Nigeria, and introduced herself in her first year as a collegiate player in the Philippines after tallying 14 points and incredulous 30 rebounds in UP’s 88-80 win vs. UST in their semifinals clash.

If Onoh’s naturalization is successful she will serve as a great help for the women’s national team as they are short on naturalized player after point guard Vanessa De Jesus was sidelined due to her knee injury.

Last Feb 9., Onoh also expressed her interest in playing for Gilas Women as she awaits the official call-up from head coach Pat Aquino.

For Gilas Men, Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization is also in process and if his bid is successful, Boatwright will be playing along with naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

SBP eyes to heightened the competition of the national team basketball players, hence the naturalization.