University of the Philippine women’s basketball team is facing the upcoming UAAP Season 87 without Favour Onoh. 

The 18-year-old Onoh, who was named last season’s Rookie of the Year, has been ruled out for the entirety of the oncoming tournament as she continues to recover from injuries to both knees. 

With Onoh’s arrival in Katipunan, the Fighting Maroons made a huge boost to their women’s program following their first postseason appearance since 2008 last year. 

Although UP was hoping for any possible return for Onoh even at a later date in the season, sitting out the young Nigerian talent was ultimately the best decision in the long run.

"'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.

"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."

In her rookie year, Onoh averaged 11.0 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.4 steals and 1.4 assists to completely dominate her fellow debuting players. 

During her 18th birthday, Onoh reset the UAAP record for most rebounds in a single game to break the previous 27-rebound record shared by De La Salle’s Justine Baltazar and Ateneo’s Ange Kouame.

She joined forces with Louna Ozar, Kaye Pesquera and Christie Bariquit in powering UP to a perfect 6-0 start, including an epic triumph over National University, then the seven-time defending champion.

Following Onoh's brilliant rookie season, Gilas Women head coach Pat Aquino was seeking naturalization for Onoh, which the latter said she was equally looking forward to in a separate chat with Manila Bulletin. 

With the 6-foot-4 sitting out her supposed sophomore season, UP welcomes and counts on another Gilas Pilipinas player in Camille Nolasco and Filipino-Australian Alex Mendoza.

Most definitely, however, 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.