By: Miguel Caramoan
Despite the departure of Camille Clarin and the unexpected resignation of Aris Dimaunahan, National University still looked every bit like the championship-caliber squad from UAAP Season 87, thanks to the leadership of new head coach DA Olan — a long-time Lady Bulldogs deputy.
Taking over a program that has captured eight titles in a nine-season span since Season 77 in 2014, Olan admitted he felt the pressure of steering NU’s title defense in a highly competitive women’s basketball landscape that features perennial rival University of Santo Tomas and dangerous dark horses Ateneo de Manila University and Adamson University.
But Olan comes armed with 12 years of experience in the Lady Bulldogs program and backed by the emergence of Gilas Women standouts Tin Cayabyab, Ann Pingol, and Angel Surada.
And he got the perfect debut: a commanding 89-64 victory over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws to open their UAAP Season 88 campaign.
Having served under Dimaunahan since Season 85, Olan emphasized that continuity was the key to ushering in this new era for NU.
“I only took over like a month and a half before the UAAP game. So, again, for me, it’s not really feasible to bring in a new system. And then, you know, considering that I got my knowledge in the game with Coach Aris, so probably it’s just going to be the same concepts and principles,” Olan said Saturday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite the short preparation time, NU’s smooth transition was made possible by the leadership of Cayabyab, Pingol, and Surada — all of whom had played for Gilas Women in either 5-on-5 or 3×3 competitions over the summer.
Pingol’s impact on the court was clear with 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, but the 23-year-old center focused most on filling the leadership void left by Clarin.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Alam naman namin na walang makaka-level sa leadership ni CC. Kaya lahat na lang kami nag-step up as leaders na kung may makita kaming mistakes, pinagsasabihan namin yung rookies,” Pingol remarked.
While Pingol embraced the leadership mantle, Cayabyab proved she was ready to be NU’s new primary scorer after an inconsistent Season 87.
The Dagupan, Pangasinan native caught fire against FEU, finishing with 24 points on an efficient 8-of-14 shooting — providing crucial firepower to a stacked NU roster that also features Pingol, Marga Villanueva, and Marylene Solis. She also had nine rebounds and four assists off the bench.
“Sa amin ang first game, inaalay namin ito ‘kay Coach DA na first time na head coach. Sobrang laki ng tiwala namin sa kanya and naging specific talaga siya sa mga play ngayon. Mas naging detailed siya sa mga position and galaw na kailangan namin gawin,” Cayabyab said.
“Kaya mas na-execute namin yung mga plays and kaya naging gan’to ‘yung score,” she added.
Even with the impressive opening win, Olan stressed that the Lady Bulldogs are still just scratching the surface.
“There’s still a big room for improvement for us. I know we can still do better than this,” he concluded.
