By: Joaquin Cortez
Macmac Alfanta waited a full year for his opportunity to come.
After failing to crack National University’s lineup a year ago, the former Bullpups standout is finally beginning to make his presence felt for the Bulldogs in UAAP Season 89.
For Alfanta, the adjustment has been made easier by a familiar face on the sidelines in head coach Jeff Napa, who has known him since his high school days.
“Pinapatunayan ko naman. Matagal na rin kaming nagsasama ni Coach Jeff, simula high school ako. So siyempre kilala na rin ako ni Coach Jeff at kilala ko na rin siya,” said the 20-year-old Alfanta.
“Ginawa ko na lang talaga ‘yong kaya kong i-ambag sa team ngayong season at nakapag-adjust naman,” he added.
Despite coming from NU’s successful high school program, the 6-foot guard from Digos City, Davao del Sur spent his entire first year unable to crack the Bulldogs’ lineup. Instead, the team leaned on a senior wing rotation led by Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala.
Rather than forcing the issue, Alfanta stayed patient and continued preparing for the opportunity Napa believed would eventually come.
That opportunity arrived on Saturday.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Alfanta turned in one of his best performances yet for the Bulldogs, scoring 13 points and swatting two blocks to help NU defeat University of the Philippines. The victory also marked the Bulldogs’ first win over the Fighting Maroons since Nov. 3, 2024.
Napa revealed that he had been upfront with Alfanta about his situation, telling his young player to remain patient and prepare for a bigger role.
“Naging honest ako sa kanya na kahit papaano, itong taon talaga ay para sa kanya,” said Napa.
“Sabi ko, magparaya na siya dahil hindi naman masasayang ang playing years niya. So naging honest ako sa kanya na next year, sa’yo na ‘yong posisyon nina Jake Figueroa kasi ‘yon ‘yong posisyon niya,” he added.
With several veterans moving on from the team, Alfanta has begun taking on the responsibilities Napa envisioned for him.
“Binigyan ko lang siya ng responsibility na kung ano ‘yung i-lo-look forward sa kanya na responsibility,” Napa said.
“Ayoko sabihin na happy ako kasi ‘yon ‘yong challenge ko sa kanya na to be consistent kasi mahirap i-fill in ang kailangan niyang trabahuhin.”
While encouraged by Alfanta’s emergence, Napa emphasized that consistency remains the challenge moving forward.
“Kahit papaano, ‘yung pressure of being a rookie, nilalabanan niya para makapag-deliver siya nang tama para sa team,” Napa said.
