Despite being considered a contender for the Final Four heading into the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, National University (NU) faced significant challenges to begin its campaign.
They saw the departures of key players Kean Baclaan, Mike Malonzo, LA Casinillo, and Omar John. Then Malian center Mo Diassana suffered a torn left ACL during the Bulldogs’ season opener against the DLSU Green Archers.
These setbacks contributed to NU’s struggles, leaving them in last place with a 2-8 record after ten games.
However, one consistent bright spot for the team has been the reemergence of Jake Figueroa. And he has played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ two-game win streak, keeping their Final Four hopes alive.
The fourth-year forward averaged 12 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals as NU defeated Season 86 finalist University of the Philippines and Final Four hopeful University of Santo Tomas in consecutive games.
Despite the challenges, Figueroa is grateful for the unwavering trust of head coach Jeff Napa, even as he struggled early in the season.
“Para sa akin, thankful ako kay Coach Jeff kasi sobrang nag-struggle ako nung first half. Kahit papaano nung pumasok ako nung second half, buo pa rin yung tiwala niya sa akin. Kahit papaano, nabuo yung confidence ko,” shared the 22-year-old forward.
“Lagi sinasabi sa’min ni Coach Jeff na laging move forward, one game at a time. Kaya tignan natin kung hanggang saan.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Figueroa’s performance – particularly in their win over a struggling UST squad – was fueled by the doubters who persisted even after NU’s dominant 20-point victory over title favorite UP.
“Para sa akin, deadma sa bashers. Ang sarap kasi sa feeling ‘pag nakakatalo ka ng mga big boys. Gusto lang namin ibalik na one of the big boys din kami,” Figueroa added.
Now with two straight wins, NU is tied for sixth place with the FEU Tamaraws at 4-8, with two games remaining in the season.
Figueroa emphasizes the importance of improved communication, both on and off the court, as the Bulldogs aim to finish the season strong.
“Enjoyment talaga yung importante. Para sa akin, communication yung nagbago. Sa ensayo, usap-usap kami, doon magkakilala kami, pero pagdating sa game parang hindi na kami magkakakilala,” the Pampanga native explained.
“Sabi ni Coach Jeff sa amin lagi na yung mga past few games na talo kami na dikit, ngayong second round, sabi niya sa amin na tapusin natin ng maganda yung season na ito. Luckily, nagagawa naman namin, and patuloy namin gagawin.”
