UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas just got its big man for keeps.

Collins Akowe, the dominant Nigerian big from National University-Nazareth School, has committed to España on Monday, giving the Growling Tigers a significant frontline boost ahead of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament.

It's a major coup for coach Pido Jarencio who recently added homegrown stud Koji Buenaflor from the Tiger Cubs and transferee Kristian Porter from Ateneo.

But Akowe is a different beast.

The Nigerian is a 6-foot-10 freak of nature, winning the Juniors MVP honors in UAAP Season 86 and the newly created Best Foreign Student-Athlete in UAAP Season 87.

He averaged 20.8 points, 18.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks in the Bullpups' runner-up campaign this past season.

Understandably so, rival UAAP schools tried to lure Akowe away from Jhocson but the 19-year-old center ultimately chose to go to UST.

For the Growling Tigers, it's a massive get following the departure of Mo Tounkara after just one season while Peter Osang has filled the foreign student-athlete slot for the squad in the PlayTime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.

Akowe is set to pair up in the frontline with Gelo Crisostomo, who has been impressive so far for the team in the preseason.

Graduating seniors Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao also get a dependable big down low as they try to establish UST as a legitimate title contender this year.

Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph