Canada’s Kwawukumey now playing for UST Growling Tigers

Canada’s Kwawukumey now playing for UST Growling Tigers

By Emar Sy

Did you see that Coach Mike? That was a great pass! Indeed, the kid has great vision and is just what I needed for my team. Words uttered by UST Growling Tigers mentor and head coach Boy Sablan during one of his practices. Words he used to describe the plays of his latest addition to his wards, Ben Kwawukumey.

Ben was a member of the Team Canada Crossover that participated at the SM NBTC last March 2017 and 2nd Dreamers 18U Boys International Challenge Champion Team in the Philippines. During this stint he has impressed coaches with his blinding speed and dazzling plays. He received offers to play for College of St. Benilde – La Salle with another Canadian prize recruit Robert Ocampo. However, it took him some time to decide to play in the Philippines and the CSB offer was no longer available. But just like a blessing in disguise UST lost its starting PG Renzo Subido and needed replacement before the new UAAP Season 80 begin in September.

Crossover Sports Canada top honcho Mike Cruz recommended Ben to his good friends Coach Gina Ramos and Boy Sablan. He mentioned what happened to Ben’s offer and is now available if UST is still interested. Ben flew with the other Canadian recruits on July 11 and reported for practice the earliest possible time. And there it was just like what a doctor prescribed Ben fit in easily to Coach Boy’s fast paced system. The UST Growling Tigers family was very happy to have him and very much excited to see him play with them for the upcoming season.

University of Santo Tomas is considered as the oldest university in the Philippines. The school is widely known for their programs on Architecture and Medical Science. They also own the most overall championships in the UAAP. UST is also one of the founding member of the UAAP and the NCAA. Their basketball program is considered one of the best and tied with University of the East with the most Men’s Senior Basketball titles with 18.

And with Ben’s addition UST is looking forward to improve from their last year campaign where they failed to reach the final four. As coach Boy mentioned his arrival would help lessen the burden from his star Marvin Lee on bringing down the ball. Ben will definitely increase their tempo and help distribute the ball to their designated scorers with his first pass attitude.

(PRESS RELEASE)