Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Despite pals Felicilda, Torres leaving, Enriquez vows to stay in NU


Steve Nash Enriquez has become National University’s de facto leader.

This, as other Bullpups-turned-Bulldogs Janjan Felicilda and Reyland Torres have transferred to University of the Philippines coached by former NU-Nazareth mentor Goldwin Monteverde.

They added to a plethora of Bullpups in the Fighting Maroons camp led by Carl Tamayo. The group also includes Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Gerry Abadiano, and Cyril Gonzales.

So current NU head coach Jeff Napa has already passed the leadership role to Enriquez, who is just in his second playing year in college.

2022-Filoil-Ecooil-Preseason-Cup-NU-vs-Arellano-Steve-Nash-Enriquez-2-scaled Despite pals Felicilda, Torres leaving, Enriquez vows to stay in NU Basketball News NU  - philippine sports news

“I’m really confident na kakayanin naman ng team sa pangunguna ni Nash ‘yung mga obstacle na pagdadaanan namin. ‘Cause still, we’re a young team na continue learning na hopefully it will transform coming to our season,” said Napa after the Bulldogs’ 78-64 win over Arellano in the 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup.

“He [is] loyal to our school despite everything. At least pinu-prove niya naman na he deserves kung ano ibibigay kong position para sa kanya,” he added referring to Enriquez, who pumped in 11 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Enriquez is also confident that he can take the lead right away even if he is just in his sophomore year.

He’s learned that lesson ever since high school when he would come off the bench after Fortea and Abadiano – staying ready.

UAAP82-BOYS-BB-FINALS-G2-2ND-PHOTO-NU-ENRIQUEZ Despite pals Felicilda, Torres leaving, Enriquez vows to stay in NU Basketball News NU  - philippine sports news

“Kahit since high school po, naging backup point guard naman po talaga ako. So ready naman ako palagi kahit naging first five ako or kung ano ibibigay ng mga coaches ko. Basta, dapat gawin ko lang ‘yung lahat ng makakaya ko sa tiwala na binigay ni coach sa akin.”

The 5-foot-9 native of Cebu is the last of Goldwin’s recruits in NU, and he doesn’t plan to leave at all.

#ReadMore  FIBA: New Zealand survives RHJ's big game, Jordan in OT, stays in race

Enriquez vowed to stay with the Bulldogs the rest of the way, to the delight of Napa.

“Gusto ko talaga maglaro sa NU kasi ‘yun nga po malaking tulong naman po sila sa akin, sa pamilya ko. Kasi sa totoo lang walang wala naman kami sa Cebu,” said the 19-year-old Enriquez.

“Laking tulong ng NU sa family ko, kahit papaano naman gumaan din ‘yung buhay namin din. So, hundred percent po loyal naman po ako na maglaro sa NU.”

And when it’s time that Enriquez faces Felicilda and the rest of his former teammates, expect nothing but the best effort from second-generation cager.

2022-UCBL-UP-vs-PCU-Janjan-Felicilda-and-Reyland-Torres Despite pals Felicilda, Torres leaving, Enriquez vows to stay in NU Basketball News NU  - philippine sports news

“Same lang po ‘yung approach sa mga iba kong mga kalaban. Kumbaga gagawin ko lang ‘yung best ko, magkaibigan man kami sa labas pero sa loob laro lang.”

The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page

Written By

College student in San Beda University, part of the San Beda Red Sea Lions Swim Team, and likes watching anime


You May Also Like

Basketball

De La Salle University erupted for a scorching third quarter to keep its unbeaten streak alive, while National University locked in the final UAAP...

AdU

La Salle kept its immaculate record intact in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive, steamrolling Far Eastern...

AU

In a testy, physical showdown between UAAP rivals, La Salle held off a furious late rally from National University to stay unbeaten in the...

Basketball

National University has secured the commitments of two rising stars from Mindanao who shone brightly at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa held in Ilocos Norte....

Basketball

As National University’s UAAP Season 87 campaign came to a close seven months ago, head coach Jeff Napa was already setting his sights on...

Basketball

National University has lost one of its Bullpups. The player — whose identity has been withheld for the time being — initially “committed” to...

Basketball

Coach Rob Labagala continues to rebuild San Sebastian College-Recoletos with familiar faces. This time, former National University (NU) guard RJ Colonia has officially transferred...

Basketball

Jacob Cortez delivered a masterclass on Saturday night, exploding for 31 points to power De La Salle University past University of the Philippines, 106-99,...

Advertisement