Nicole Pring enjoyed a breakout performance for National University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, and she was quick to credit her teammates and coaches for her success.
Pring, a 19-year-old guard from Bataan, scored 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the field in just 14 minutes and 8 seconds of play.
Her contributions were vital in NU’s decisive 67-39 victory over University of the East, keeping the Lady Bulldogs undefeated at 6-0 this season.
”Siyempre po overwhelmed and then natutuwa dahil yung tiwala na binigay ng mga teammates at coaches ko sa akin, nandun po. Siyempre, nagtiwala din ako sa sarili ko kaya ko nagawa yun,” expressed Pring.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As one of three rookies from the NU Nazareth School on this year’s Lady Bulldogs roster, Pring is part of a new homegrown core alongside injured players Alicia Villanueva and Cielo Pagdulagan. Together, they represent the future of what is arguably the most dominant collegiate program in the country.
Having transitioned from high school, Pring recalls witnessing NU’s Game Three loss to the University of Santo Tomas.
This experience has fueled her determination to help bring the championship back to the Lady Bulldogs, especially with the guidance of senior teammates like Camille Clarin, Tin Cayabyab, Angel Surada, and Ann Pingol.
“Actually, may mga senior kami na aalis na. Sila po yung motivation namin. Siyempre, gusto namin kunin yung championship para din sa kanila,” Pring remarked.
“Ang bilin lang po nila sa akin is magtiwala ako sa sarili ko kasi sila naniniwala sila sa akin. Kailangan buoin ko lang yung kompyansa ko para magawa ko yung kailangan kong gawin at ano yung role ko.”
With a promising career ahead, Pring is committed to absorbing as many lessons from her seniors.
”Siguro yung pagiging point guard, yung ball-handling at vision kasi medyo kulang pa din at yung decision-making siyempre,” said Pring.
