Jake Figueroa initially committed to staying at Adamson University for his tertiary studies six months ago.
However, the reigning UAAP High School Boys’ Basketball Most Valuable Player had a change of heart.
The 6-foot-3 banger out of Minalin, Pampanga has decided to commit to National University and join the Bulldogs.
According to Figueroa, the decision was not just up to him but also his family.
“Sa tingin ko po, makakatulong ako sa team, pero hindi ko po ito ginawa para lang sa sarili ko kung hindi para sa pamilya ko,” he said.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the 19-year-old already bid farewell to his coaches and school officials on August 18.
Figueroa averaged 13.19 points, 14.19 rebounds, 3.13 assists, 1.56 steals, and 1.56 blocks in his only year in Adamson high school. Besides winning MVP honors, he also led the Baby Falcons to a third place finish.
Initially, Figueroa wanted to be with Matty Erolon and Joshua Barcelona, both of whom committed to the Soaring Falcons. They all want to settle some unfinished business after the cancellation of UAAP Season 83.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Adamson kasi kung wala sila hindi ako mapupunta dito. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Coach Mike (Fermin), sa staff, at kayla Fr. Aldrin (Suan). Sila po ‘yung nag-guide sa akin,” he continued.
In NU, he will join the likes of Reyland Torres, PJ Palacielo, Karl Gloria, and Steve Nash Enriquez in the rebuild headed by Jeff Napa. He will also join fellow Kapampangans in Jiam Quiambao and Jolo Manansala.
Figueroa will immediately be eligible for the Bulldogs as he just graduated from Adamson High a few months ago.
