In a bittersweet moment for the National University community, John Lloyd Clemente, the talented sweet-shooting wing, announced his departure from the Bulldogs to pursue a professional career with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL.
Clemente’s decision marks the end of his fifth and final year at NU, bidding farewell to the program that nurtured his skills and helped him grow into the player he is today.
Expressing his gratitude, the 24-year-old Clemente said, “Maraming salamat sa NU community sa pag-suporta sa’kin sa 10 years na paglalaro ko sa NU. It’s been an honor na makapaglaro para sa Bulldogs at Bullpups.”
Clemente’s decision to turn pro comes as no surprise, as his impressive performances and growth over the years have caught the attention of basketball enthusiasts. Standing at 6-foot-3, Clemente leaves behind a legacy of loyalty and dedication to the NU basketball program.
His journey began as a standout player and champion for the Bullpups. And he continued his basketball journey with the Bulldogs, contributing to the rise of the program.
As the longest-tenured Bulldog on head coach Jeff Napa’s roster, Clemente has been an instrumental part of NU’s resurgence. His leadership and commitment have been vital in shaping the team’s identity and transforming the Bulldogs into a formidable force on the court.
In what ended up as his final year with the team, Clemente played a pivotal role in leading NU to the Final Four for the first time since 2016. That solidified his impact and left a lasting mark on the program.
Head coach Jeff Napa expressed his gratitude, saying, “Siyempre, nagpapasalamat kami kay JLC para sa lahat ng nagawa niya para sa NU at sa NU community.”
Napa acknowledged Clemente as a testament to the success of the NU basketball program, both at the boys’ and men’s levels. He highlighted the importance of the holistic development of student-athletes at NU, which focuses not only on sports but also on education.
With Clemente’s departure, NU now faces the challenge of moving forward without their long-time leader.
However, Napa and the Bulldogs remain optimistic and determined to build on the breakthrough they achieved last season.
With the Giant Lanterns, Clemente, a native of Apalit, will reunite with Justine Baltazar, a fellow Bullpup and Kapampangan.
Also signed by the Lanterns is College of Saint Benilde’s Allen Liwag.
