The King Bullpup returns home!
Last April, NU Bullpup Mark Dyke confirmed that he has already made a commitment to play for the De La Salle Green Archers. In a report by Rappler Sports’ Naveen Ganglani, Dyke told Ganglani that “I will be staying in La Salle, so definitely po I’m committed na po sa La Salle.”
Dyke, though not lined-up in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup roster of DLSU, can be seen during the games of the Green Archers and supporting the team. However, during the last few games of the Green Archers in the tournament, the Bullpup was no longer present in the DLSU dugout.
According to DLSU assistant coach Jun Limpot, the 6’2″ forward has not been practicing with the Green and White squad. “Matagal na siyang hindi nag practice sa amin. Matagal ko na siyang hindi nakikita,” Limpot told Tiebreaker Times.
When Tiebreaker Times asked the National University Athletics Office on whether Dyke has returned to his alma mater, they confirmed that the Bullpup standout is officially enrolled at National University for the school year. “Yes, he is enrolled and we’re happy to have him here,” an official of the Athletics office told us.
Moreover, as early as Wednesday, June 9, the UAAP Season 77 Mythical Five team member was seen in National University’s gymnasium and practicing with the team. “He’ll have to earn his spot with the seniors team just like everyone else,” the NU official added.
In the UAAP Juniors Division, Dyke was ranked second in statistical points for two straight years. In Season 76, he was behind Ateneo Blue Eaglet Thirdy Ravena in the MVP race as Ravena accumulated 79.57 SP compared to Dyke’s 74.71, but the Bullpups were able to win the championship led by the lanky forward. Again, in Season 77, the Bullpup finished second in the MVP race behind another Ateneo Blue Eaglet, Mike Nieto, 75 SP compared to 65.86. The Bullpup averaged 13.4 ppg and 14.5 rpg in his final year.
If Dyke gets promoted to the Bulldogs squad, he will certainly help in filling-up the void left by recently graduated forwards Troy Rosario and Glenn Khobuntin. In addition, he will join an NU frontline that has Alfred Aroga, Kyle Neypes, Mohammad Salim, Nico Abatayo, and the returning Jeoff Javillonar.
