Ranked No. 1 after the elimination round, National University may have stumbled in its Final Four matchup against De La Salle University, but Jeff Napa remains proud of his team.
The Bulldogs had come off a rocky 5-9 record in Season 87 before shocking the league with an 11-3 slate to secure the top seed in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball.
Despite falling short of the ultimate prize — or even a Finals appearance — for the fifth straight season since he became NU’s head coach, Napa said he wants to rest and process everything first.
“Number one, gusto ko munang magpahinga,” Napa said of his immediate priority after the season.
“Hindi ko alam, mag-uusap muna kaming lahat for everybody. Yun naman ang buhay eh. There’s a challenge, accept the challenge, and move forward.”
In his five seasons leading his alma mater, Napa guided the Bulldogs to three bronze finishes, including this year after their 78-73 defeat to the Green Archers on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
NU will lose six players to graduation, led by the trio of Steve Nash Enriquez, Jolo Manansala, and Jake Figueroa, who played all five years of eligibility during Napa’s tenure. Mark Parks, Gelo Santiago, and Munmun Dela Cruz also played their final games for the Bulldogs.
“Hindi ko muna iniisip ‘yung next year pero as coaches kasi, paguusapan namin lahat kung ano ‘yung pwede namin i-plan out,” said Napa.
“We will see kung ano ‘yung maibibigay nang naiiwan then we will see kung ano ‘yung magiging approach namin talaga next year.”
Despite the heartbreaking end to their campaign, which saw them squander a twice-to-beat advantage, the NU lifer expressed his admiration for a team that was hardly seen as a contender at the start of the season.
Next year, the Bulldogs will rely on Paul Francisco, Reinhard Jumamoy, PJ Palacielo, Kenshin Padrones, and Omar John.
“I’m still proud of my team dahil wala naman nag count in sa amin right away. I think from the start of the season nasa five and six yata kami sa rankings eh. I’m proud of my team. Thank you sa mga naniwala, susubok ulit kami kahit anong mangyari. Hindi pa rin kami bibigay,” Napa said.
“Nothing to be ashamed of. I’m still proud of my team. Although we fell short, still nobody expected naman na mapunta kami sa ganitong sitwasyon, especially last year wala kami sa Final Four then we became number one.”
