Jake Figueroa was poised to join the post-game press conference after National University’s 66-50 triumph over Ateneo de Manila University, following a massive double-double performance.
But he couldn’t make it, succumbing to cramps just seconds before the final buzzer. On broadcast, he was seen shedding tears from sheer exhaustion.
For NU head coach Jeff Napa, that moment was a testament to Figueroa’s commitment in his final UAAP season — making him well-deserving of a spot in the top five of the MVP race after the first round of the Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
“Wala na akong masasabi diyan ‘eh. Yung transformation niya, ang bait pa nga ‘eh. Eighteen shots tinira, syempre kung superstar, mga 25 tinitira, pero Jake is Jake,” Napa said after their win over the Blue Eagles on Sunday.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanya nung stretch ng third quarter, hindi na kita ilalabas until the final quarter. Hang on and stay put ka hangga’t kaya mo. Bumitaw na siya nung last 34 seconds, medyo wala na talaga. Pero still, kailangan ko gisingin yung iba kasi alam na namin yung magagawa ni Jake,” he added.
Figueroa led all scorers with 17 points and also grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds, along with five assists, two steals, and one block in 37 minutes and 19 seconds of action. He sat on the bench for only two minutes and 41 seconds.
The 23-year-old pride of Pampanga currently ranks fifth in the MVP race after the first round. He has accumulated 77.429 statistical points with averages of 15.43 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.14 assists, 2.14 steals, and 1.14 blocks per game.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Hindi importante sa kanya kung ilan tinitira niya, pero ang importante sa kanya at ang importante sa amin sa team kung paano namin makukuha yung W,” Napa said, highlighting Figueroa’s role as the team’s true leader.
“‘Yon yung mindset ng bawat isa, especially si Jake, na he wants to become a leader and refuses to lose up until the final buzzer.”
Now in his final year with the Bulldogs, Figueroa feels determined to leave the team in a better position than when he arrived.
NU currently leads the league with a 7-2 record, with both losses coming against defending champion University of the Philippines.
Their next matchup will be a stern test, as the Bulldogs face a De La Salle Green Archers team riding a three-game winning streak on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Kailangan namin ulit i-refresh yung mga utak namin talaga kasi alam namin na may win streak yung La Salle ‘eh. So ang laki ng pinagbago nila mula nung first round hanggang ngayon sa pagpasok ng second round,” Napa said.
“We have to be ready talaga against La Salle.”
