Much has been expected from Jake Figueroa in his first year at National University.
Seen as a foundational piece, the 6-foot-2 bruiser out of Pampanga was expected to put up big numbers immediately. After all, he was the UAAP Season 82 High School Boys’ Basketball Most Valuable Player.
In his first five games, Figueroa posted norms of 4.6 points and 6.8 rebounds during that span. Not too shabby for a rookie.
Apparently, being a workhorse is the role given to him by Jeff Napa.
“Unang-una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako sa Lord kase binigyan niya ako ng opportunity para maipakita ko talento ko sa TV and sa mga fans,” the 19-year-old product of Adamson high school said.
“Kung ano yung binigay sa aking role ni Coach Jeff, yun yung prinoceso ko sa loob ng court lalong-lalo na nung last game versus Ateneo, hindi ako nakapag-execute nang maayos. Sumandal din ako sa sistema kaya nagawa ko yung pinapagawa sa akin ni coach.”
During NU’s game against Ateneo, Figueroa only had two points and three rebounds much to the dismay of Napa.
And Figueroa vowed that he would bounce back.
Against University of Santo Tomas, he reminded everyone what he can do with 11 points and seven rebounds in 16:24 minutes of action. His numbers helped the Bulldogs take a dominant 81-52 win over the Growling Tigers.
From this point, it should be about consistency for him.
“Nagpaasa ako sa depensa kase and opensa dadating din yan. Yung mga kulang namin against Ateneo, i-execute namin sa UE at lalo na sa second round para maging maganda takbo ng team namin.”
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