When National University thought of reshaping its women’s basketball program, it had to start from somewhere and from someone.
That is why when Ever Bilena CEO Dioceldo Sy got the nod to take charge of the NU Lady Bulldogs back in 2012, he contacted his Women’s Philippine Basketball League team’s long-time coach Patrick Aquino and brought him to Jhocson.
The mandate is just one thing: change the culture of the squad to a winning mentality.
Aquino had to start from scratch, teaching these women to go back to basics and to learn from each other how to play good basketball.
During their first season with Aquino at the helm, the Lady Bulldogs surprised everyone as they almost made the Final Four. And with such momentum, they eventually topped the elimination round standings and went all the way to the Finals against De La Salle University.
The squad fell short, but the loss was just a sign of things to come.
The following season was, to say the least, where it all started. And 100 games after they are still winning.
“This game is an honor dun sa mga unang naglaro sa amin, most especially to the one who started this streak – to the architect of this streak – which is my kumpare, coach Pat Aquino,” current head coach Aris Dimaunahan dedicates this 100th win.
“I know, you will all agree with me that he’s the best women’s basketball coach in the country. And this win is for him.”
For second-year forward Camille Clarin, it was really a homage to the legacy of the ones before them and inspired them to continue winning.
“Something like this was super monumental because when we think of when this streak started, how basketball was back then. It was a different entity in itself because some of us are 16-0, 20-0. So, I feel like it’s not for us but for everyone before us – all the players, all the coaches that played with us; this is for them.”
With 100 games down though, Dimaunahan and the rest of the reigning six-time UAAP champions remain focused not just on this huge streak. They’re also intent on taking it one game at a time this season. “We are not really looking at the streak. Our main focus is day by day, and let the result take care of itself.
“Just be better each time until we reach our final destination.”
The Lady Bulldogs will surely take it from here.
