Kevin De Castro could not hold back his tears after National University Nazareth School secured a hard-fought win over defending champion Adamson University to advance to the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Finals.
The past few days have been especially tough for De Castro.
Following the Bullpups’ crushing 56-76 loss to the UST Tiger Cubs — a defeat that cost them an outright Finals berth — doubts crept in.
De Castro has been at the helm of NUNS’s high school boys’ basketball program since UAAP Season 85. In his first year, the Bullpups were dethroned by eventual champions FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws in the Final Four.
A year later, NUNS suffered a heartbreaking three-game series loss to the Adamson Baby Falcons in the 19-and-under division.
The inaugural 16-and-under tournament finally brought some joy to De Castro, as a miraculous shot by Rob Celiz handed the Bullpups the crown against the Baby Tamaraws — a moment De Castro desperately needed.
But the loss to the Tiger Cubs was the most excruciating of all.
During his darkest moments, one man never lost faith in him: his mentor, Jeff Napa.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Gusto ko magpasalamat kay Coach Jeff, kasi last game, pinroteksyunan niya ako,” said an emotional De Castro.
Against Adamson in the Final Four, NUNS faced yet another uphill battle. They trailed for most of the game, with their star trio of Collins Akowe, Macmac Alfanta, and Jid Locsin all struggling.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanila, ‘Ako may tiwala ako sa inyo kaya dapat may tiwala kayo sa sarili niyo.’ Talagang masasabi ko na yung mga achievements nila, para sa kanila at hindi para sa akin,” De Castro continued.
“Kasi ako, whatever happens to me, wala akong regret.”
The Bullpups needed heroes — and they found them.
Seventeen-year-old floor general Mot Matias showed poise beyond his years, finishing with eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
“Parang hanggang ngayon, tumatakbo pa rin sa isip ko yung sinabi sa akin ni Coach Kev noong 16-under namin — pagalingin ko lang daw yung teammate ko. Kaya ayun, ginawa ko lang yung role ko,” said Matias.
Inside the paint, Migs Palanca and Jedric Solomon held firm. Palanca delivered 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Solomon tallied four points, six rebounds, and a game-high plus-17 efficiency rating.
“Proud ako sa kanya kasi tinrabaho niya talaga yun. Buong season, yung playing time niya ay nasa below 15 minutes lang. Kaya proud ako sa kanya kasi yung confidence niya, nandoon pa rin,” said senior Palanca on Solomon.
“Kahit bangko siya, hindi siya na-down. Ngayon, kitang-kita yung pinaghirapan namin — yung tinrabaho niya.”
Seldom-used Miekho Natinga also stepped up, firing 11 points in just 13 minutes of action.
“Mindset ko lang noon ay gampanan ko lang yung role ko at ibigay ko yung 100%, na lagi kong sinasabi kay Coach Kev,” shared Natinga, who has been mentored by his senior Alfanta.
In the end, it all came together for the Bullpups.
Their collective efforts paved the way for a thrilling 64-62 victory and a spot in the Finals.
“Talagang masasabi ko na itong panalo na ‘to ay credit sa boys, nakita ko talagang sinamahan nila ako,” De Castro reflected.
In his loneliest moments, De Castro realized he was never truly alone — thanks to Napa and his Bullpups.
