The best foreign student-athletes (FSAs) in the UAAP have often been flashy, dominant, or a combination of both. Ben Mbala and Ange Kouame easily come to mind, while among the current crop of FSAs, it’s Collins Akowe that has the potential to follow in their footsteps.
And then there’s Mo Konateh.
Konateh’s game is not predicated on flash or dominance; he simply gets the job done. Since joining the FEU Tamaraws, the Gambian big man has been a consistent defensive anchor, grabbing every rebound possible and swatting away shots.
Productive then may be the apt word to describe Konateh’s Season 89 thus far. In nine games, he has averaged a double-double (13.0 points and 12.8 rebounds) and blocked more shots (23) than the entire Ateneo Blue Eagles roster (16).
Much of what makes Konateh such an imposing force was on display against the Adamson Soaring Falcons. Konateh was a mere bystander in the Tamaraws’ opening day loss to the Falcons, but in the second-round rematch, he had 21 rebounds (more than half of Adamson’s 32). Controlling the paint helped FEU win the battles for second chance points (20-14) and points in the paint (38-30), all of which contributed to the Tamaraws avenging their opening day loss.
All of this has, of course, been at par with what has been expected of Konateh over the past few seasons, but Season 89 has also revealed his growth on offense.
It’s not so much that Konateh has a deep bag, but he’s gotten wiser in terms of finding mismatches and maximizing those opportunities. He executes the simple plays repeatedly and it has led to successful outcomes for him and FEU. You’d expect his 50 percent field goal percentage to be higher, but then again, the rest of the Tamaraws can handle the offense, while Konateh can take care of the other things.
In the second round, FEU has yet to face the DLSU Green Archers, UP Fighting Maroons, UST Growling Tigers, and the NU Bulldogs, teams that are also in contention for the Final Four. These teams are all separated by the thinnest of margins and the Tamaraws should expect the Green Archers and the Maroons to look to avenge those first round defeats. Konateh will likely figure heavily in those matchups as he has had no problems dealing with their frontcourts.
All things considered, Konateh is the frontrunner to be the Best FSA for UAAP Season 89. He’s amassed the most statistical points among locals and foreigners, a feat that shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s also responsible for his team’s favorable position. And his game has grown enough for him to be more than a footnote on a scouting report.
As great as all this is, though, Mo Konateh has done this without much fanfare. But that doesn’t matter, especially if the celebration in the end includes a UAAP championship.
