For National University, the wait to see Steve Nash Enriquez finally suit up in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament was worth it.
Sidelined from the first three games of the Bulldogs’ campaign due to a hamstring injury, the 5-foot-9 spitfire guard produced 10 points, two steals, and two assists. He was also a plus-17 point differential in his team’s 80-75 victory over defending champions University of the Philippines.
“Sobrang proud ako sa mga teammates ko,” said the sophomore floor general. “Grabe yung trabaho namin day in and day out. Pinangarap namin ito na sana sa panalo na ito. We want to gain respect sa ibang teams.
“It’s a good win for us, pero madami pa kaming kailangan itrabaho as a team and as individuals.”
While on the bench, Enriquez simply bided his time before he could return to the action. The last thing he and the rest of the team wants is for him to have aggravated his injury.
The erstwhile Bullpup, though, became active while observing and cheering his teammates on as they sealed wins over University of the East and University of Santo Tomas, as well as a loss at the hands of Ateneo de Manila University.
“Nakakatulong naman ako sa sidelines. Kinakausap ko naman sila pero iba yung nasa loob eh. Thankful ako kay coach at sa PT sa pag-alaka sa akin. Thankful ako kay God na nakuha namin tong panalo na ito,” said the Cebuano standout.
“Naging patient lang ako. Hindi naman mangyayari ito kapag walang plano si God sa akin. Keep the faith sa mga teammates ko. Alam ko naman na kaya nila. Kung matalo man, ensayo lang ng maayos. Kung ano mga mali namin, i-correct namin.”
For his part, NU coach Jeff Napa was also pleased to see one of his key cogs back on the floor.
The former King Bulldog needs to maximize the talent he has at his disposal to drag the school back to the Final Four for the first time since Season 78.
Enriquez’s timely return, against UP of all schools, was indeed a welcome development.
“Yung isang minions ko, biglang pumasok na,” said Napa.
“Happy ako at least nag-deliver siya. Ito yung pinakahinihintay niya, makalaro na ulit eh. At least we got that win. We got a lot more work to do.”
Ultimately, Enriquez is just glad to be back in action. The NU’s homegrown star’s love for his school can never be questioned.
Now, he has a spring in his step after making such a grand entrance to Season 85.
“Sila coach nagtanong sa akin ng ok ka ba, ok ka ba? Alam ko naman sa sarili ko na ok ako. Yun nga, may kirot (pa rin) pero sabi ko nga kay doc, kahit labas pasok, gusto ko lang makatulong sa team,” he concluded.
