UP’s Favour Onoh. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA — Reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh of the University of the Philippines will miss the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament as she recovers from knee injuries.

UP announced the development on Tuesday, adding that they are opting to focus on Onoh's recovery for the rest of the year.

Onoh is a prospect for naturalization for the Gilas Pilipinas women's national basketball team.

READ: Ateneo's Kacey dela Rosa crowned MVP, UP's Favour Onoh is Rookie of the Year

"'Di na talaga aabot. It's more of a decision agreed upon by us the coaching staff, team management, doctors, and Favour herself. We believe this is the right thing to do," said head coach Paul Ramos, who steered State U to its first playoff berth since 2008.

UP initially hoped for her to return later in Season 87, but their camp eventually decided to do what's best for the Nigerian's young career. 

"Ayaw naming ipilit na i-line-up siya, then if she's not at full-strength, masasayang yung isang playing year niya. We didn't want to risk anything anymore,” said Ramos of Onoh who posted 11.0 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 assists in Season 86 to lap the field of first-year players.

Now, the 6-foot-4, 18-year-old will sit out her supposed sophomore season, just as UP welcomes another Gilas Pilipinas player in Camille Nolasco and Filipino-Australian Alex Mendoza.

Onoh will still be present as the Fighting Maroons try to build on their breakthrough.

"That's a given. She'll still be with us sa games, sa practices, sa lahat," said Ramos.

At the same time, her teammates have additional fuel to the fire, dedicating the season to their injured foreign student-athlete.

"As always, we choose to look at the positive things coming out of this. Ngayon, ang masasabi natin, the girls will be more inspired to play because they now have Favour to play for. And they love Favour," said their mentor.

In Onoh's absence, a bigger burden will be placed on the shoulders of Achrissa Maw and Shanina Tapawan to hold down the fort. 

Ozar and Nolasco, meanwhile, have been cleared from national team duties and will be ready for action right away.

READ: After emerging as top rookie, UP's Favour Onoh wants MVP plum next season

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