When he first suited up for the National University Bulldogs back in UAAP Season 76, Cameroonian student-athlete Alfred Aroga was a picture of emotion, a fiery big man that had a no non-sense approach to the game. A couple of years later, the Cameroonian big man mellowed down, becoming a source of wisdom for the young Bulldogs, but still displaying the same passion for the collegiate game.
“My role in the team is not really to score. I’m one of the leaders of the team,” Aroga shared after NU’s 72-66 win over UE.
Last season, the 6’6 center was forced to throw up jumpers as majority of the championship core form Season 76 had already graduated from the team. With the Bulldogs reloading with multiple blue chippers, Aroga is now willing to take a step back.
“I always tell the guys that I want you to shine. So for them to shine, we need to set-up plays for them to score,” he added.
After a summer of rehabbing his injured quadriceps, Aroga tweaked his left ankle in the pivotal moment of NU’s opening day win.
“I fell on a player’s ankle. In my last layup, I fell badly,” Aroga said about the shot that gave the Bulldogs a 69-66 lead with a minute remaining.
“It’s really painful. It’s more than the average pain.”
However, being in his final season, Aroga does not want to miss any game for the Jhocson Street cagers as he wants to help his team in whatever way he can.
“Even if I have to [sit out], I would try not to. I would force it,” he closed. “I just have to rest it. It’s okay lang.”
